In September, my Mother broke her other hip, so both hips have been replaced. As she was in the hospital, we were chatting and I confessed my orchid obsession. She was very interested in them, but felt they were too fragile. Thus the discussion began. I told her there would be an orchid at the house when she got out of rehab.
I researched all the vendors to find just the right phal. for her. Decided on Phal. Balcan's Kaleidoscope 'Golden Treasure' AM/ACS in bud. Nothing but the best for my Mom. Had it delivered to my house, repotted it and sent to my sister's house where Mom lives.
When Mom got out of rehab, Sister took her pot shopping and they picked out the perfect cache pot. It didn't have a hole in the bottom so they went to Hobby Lobby and picked out the perfect rocks to go in the bottom of the pot in lieu of a drainage hole. They enjoyed taking care of the orchid.
Time goes by and the buds won't open and slowly Mom goes into decline. The day the Hospice workers arrived to help Sister out, three blooms appeared.
I flew up and upon entering Mom's room, there sat 'Golden Treasure' on the windowsill and Mom's head tilted towards the flowers. Sister said she had her head facing that way, so if she opened her eyes, she'd see the beautiful blooms. I'd like to think Mom did get a glimpse of the flowers.
Took the orchid back home with me all too soon. It has such a special place in my heart...
On another note, when I got home, the Angel Trumpets were in bloom filling the evening with their wonderful scent. Coincidence or not, I'm getting lots of comfort from my plants right now...
My Mother's Orchid...
Threaded Mode
