When I started this assignment, the first piece of nature that came to my mind was the three lilac bushes that surround my yard and home. Lilac bushes are very common, so it pains me to say that it took me asking my mom, who did not know and had to ask my dad, who replied “Lilac?” followed by me looking it up and finding out that they are indeed lilac bushes.
I instantly chose those plants because growing up, one of my favorite parts of spring was seeing all the trees and flowers bloom with color, and purple has always been my favorite color. The birds around my home, especially the beautiful male blue jays are always flying in and out of the bushes, and sometimes I am lucky enough to see a bunny hop in and out every once in a while.
When I went out to take the picture I caught myself blankly staring at the purple flowers, then panning my eyes to the garden, which does not look so hot. My grammy usually insists on cleaning and re-mulching our garden at the beginning of each spring, because she too loves looking at all the blooming flowers. Unfortunately, my grammy has understandably skipped gardening past her own yard this year, as many people have not taken part in their normal spring habits. Seeing the beautiful lilacs inspired me to share some of my favorite things about my lovely, selfless, clumsy Grammy.
Living less than a mile away from my grandparents, I am very close with my grammy and grampy. My grammy and I share similarity after similarity, from our crippling anxiety and tendency to spill every food or drink we touch, to our love of music, whistling, and animals. I can come to her with almost any problem, and we always know we have each other to lean on. She cares way too much about other people, and as much as I admire that, I am glad she has started to do more for herself the past few years, such as volunteering with and hosting rescue animals–something she enjoys more than it stresses her out. She is the person that is always moving, whether it be cleaning, going out to lunch, stopping by to see whoever is at my house, or helping her church, so I feel bad that she is cooped up inside. I miss her immensely and wish I could listen to her contagious laugh, or hear her having conversations my cats as if they were humans; however, her health means so much more to me, and I just cannot wait to give her a hug again.
This piece is written so simply and with so much passion. I truly appreciate your transition from speaking about the lilacs to how they reminded you of memories and stores regarding your grammy. I relate to the closeness you have with your grammy and your concern for her health. My grandma unfortunately has cancer, and it hurts that I can’t be by her side during this coronavirus pandemic, except when separated by the front, glass door of her home. Hopefully this will all be over soon and we can reunite with the ones we love! Wonderful writing Elizabeth.
-Toni Abdy
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I love how to you took such a simple idea and elaborated on such a meaningful relationship. Its so sad that this spring is so different from many but its for the greater good. I relate to this piece especially since Im not able to see my grandma and people so close to me during this time. Through your writing you can see the appreciation you have for your grandma and that reminds me to remember all the memories shared with the people we unfortunately distanced from.
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Hey Elizabeth!! I really enjoyed the complexity of this piece. I took a simpler approach however I loved how you gave your piece meaning by explaining your relationship to what you found. My grandmother also loves to garden and after reading your piece it made me realize how much I miss her since we are unable to see our loved ones at this time. I never thought one flower could bring back so many memories. You took such a simple assignment and made it your own and in doing so you brought your piece to life. I really enjoyed reading your piece. Hope all is well! (Eleni LeClair
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