I was gone for four days and came back to spring in Minnesota! Everything is greener, the tulips, irises, ground cover, daylilies, everything has pushed its way through the soil, the mulch and is preparing to show forth its brilliant color. The buds of our maple tree have scattered onto the ground and in a not too distant future there will be little maples in some unwanted places. The birds are creating dance and music from tree to tree,demanding that the human ones stop and take notice of their performance.

But there is also a silent, delicate tribute happening in our front yard. I can see it from the chair where I am writing now. This gift….a cherry bush….reaches toward the blue, spring sky…..tiny, pale pink blossoms swaying gently in the wind. This cherry bush always blooms on this day. Five years ago we planted this bush, a memorial gift from my Book Club, to mark the life of my father, who died five years ago today. The cherry bush was a way to remember him and to honor his love of pie…..all kinds of pie. My Book Club-which also likes a good piece of pie –  we often spoke of his love of pie and the sheer goodness of a good piece of pie. There is nothing like it in the world…..flaky crust, tart fruit, sweetness….a simple and hearty dessert.

The first spring after his death I was surprised to see the bush blooming on this day. And each year I forget that it will bloom until I see the dainty pink blossoms, the yellow-green leaves, one of the first splashes of color in our yard. This bush is a hardworker to bloom at this time of year….like my Dad…..it is loyal…like my Dad…it is understated…like my Dad….it is quiet and faithful, steady and simple…just like my Dad.  I am thankful for this gift which reminds me each year to stop and remember……loyalty, simplicity, faithfulness, love of family, steadfastness, hard-working…….and the love of a good piece of pie.

Here’s to you, Dad….. thanks.