One of the things that make me happy when I visit a cold country is the presence of beautiful flowers everywhere. In the small piazzas, sidewalks, public parks, front lawns, windows, pocket gardens. Colorful tulips adorn the gilid-gilid. Here at home, tulips are expensive. There, they are just nasa tabi-tabi.
More than twenty years ago, I fell in love with the city of London and thought of raising my children there. I made every excuse to go every year or every other year.
The flower stall around the corner from my favorite 3-star hotel opens before sunrise. On my last day in the city, I would buy a bunch and bring it home safely by hand-carrying the flowers. Since they were freshly picked and delivered that morning from Holland, they lasted for two full weeks inside our house, in room temperature and with no direct sunlight. I would usually bring home yellow tulips because they look like sunshine and they make our house seem happier. One time I also brought home a dozen of purple tulips which symbolizes royalty. Queen Annie hello.
Yellow tulips used to be associated with hopeless love but now they have become the happiest looking among all the colors.
My son was four years old then. Maybe he remembered those times when there’s a bunch of tulips on top of our tiny round dining table. It only occurred to me now why of all flowers he prefers to give me tulips even if I discourage him because they are expensive. Now I know why. Natanim sa isip nya na ang mommy nya ay gusto ang tulips. Maybe that’s the reason why once in a while, even with no occasion at all, he would give me a few stems to make me smile. Thank you anak.
Oh by the way, did you know that the meaning of tulips is PERFECT LOVE?
your son is so sweet, ms. annie 🙂 lucky you!
Thank you Nerie. Regards.