There is no other sight in these feral woodlands of Southeast Ohio that makes me feel the way that Blue-eyed Marys do. It is the warming of unconditional acceptance…like being held in the arms of Mother Nature herself as she kisses me on my forehead and reminds me that I am worthy of her love.
Against all odds, the white trout lilies here on these creek banks are thriving. How they came to be here after such devastation is nothing short of miraculous, even if their future here remains uncertain. I have found deep meaning in my daily observations of them, as it has become ever clearer to me how much of our human selves can be found in the stories of these plants – stories of patience, discovery, preparedness, tragedy, community, reciprocity…and resilience.
