AN ORCHID FOR KATE
Claire Cameron
Although she was having a busy day, Kate held the phone and patiently listened to her mother read another of her original tales. Writing wasn’t her thing, but she enjoyed reading and listening to her mother’s stories. Since she worked two jobs, her reading time was limited. Her mother’s voice was soothing and uplifting. It always blessed Kate to hear her speak. When Mama had finished reading, Kate assured her that this story surpassed the others. Her mama told her how good it made her feel that her daughter thought so highly of her work. “I may even try my hand at writing a book!” she exclaimed.
During the next few years, Mama continued sharing her stories with her daughter. They were both excited when Mama began getting paid for her work. During the afternoon of Kate’s 24th birthday, Mama stopped by with a box of chocolates and told Kate that her completed book had been selected for publication. Kate reacted with lavish praise and encouragement reminding her mom that she was a talented lady. They celebrated Kate’s birthday and her mother’s success with a steaming cup of herbal tea served from Kate’s great grandmother’s antique tea pot.
The pair reminisced about Kate’s childhood bedtimes when she curled up beside her mother. Mama wove thrilling stories of beautiful fairies and exciting adventures involving a magical looking glass. Mama’s voice, a gift, she used to enchant brought her characters to life.
Before they said their goodbyes Kate said, “Mama, I wanted to thank you so much for the beautiful orchid you sent for my birthday.” Kate loved orchids. Their exotic look made her feel elegant. Since she’d turned twenty Mama had arranged for an orchid delivery on each of Kate’s birthday.
“I love giving them to you, Kate. Their beauty reflects yours.”
Years passed. Mama continued writing poetry, stories and books. And every birthday Kate opened a gift-wrapped box containing colored tissue and a delicate, beautiful orchid.
One icy early December day as Kate worked at the school where she was employed, she was called to the office. When she saw her brother with tears in his eyes, her jaws clenched, her heart started racing, and she felt nauseated. The secretary ushered the siblings to the empty conference room for privacy.
“Kate,” her brother said softly, his voice shaky, “I’d rather do anything but tell you this. As Mother drove to her dental appointment, the driver of a pickup truck slid on the icy road and lost control of his vehicle. He swerved into Mama’s lane and hit her car head-on. The ambulance was called but the paramedics were unable to save her.”
Kate’s face turned a ghastly pale as she collapsed in her brother’s arms.
The next two weeks passed in a daze. Kate tried throwing herself full force into her job. She sought solace in reading Mama’s stories to her twin girls. But she felt a deep emptiness in her heart.
On the morning of December 16th, her 45th birthday, Kate beheld winter in all its splendor. Icy snow crystals glistened like diamonds on the pine branches outside her window. It was Saturday and, although her heart was broken, she looked forward to preparing her home to celebrate the upcoming holy holiday.
The pain and sadness of her mother’s passing continued to trouble her, so Kate drove to her Mama’s resting place. Soon the snow-covered ground was adorned with a pine arrangement rich with red berries and a bright red ribbon.
Sleet fell as Kate made her way to the car. Ten minutes later she pulled into her drive. Once inside Kate hurried to her bedroom to slip into her fuzzy socks. On her bed, sat a square box embellished with brightly colored ribbon. Inside lay a beautiful purple orchid. A smile spread across her face and a tear of joy ran down her cheek. The note inside read, “Happy Birthday, beautiful daughter.”
Kate whispered quietly, “I’ll love you forever, Mama.”
By arrangement, each year until Kate’s life ended, a beautifully wrapped box containing an elegant orchid arrived with a card that read, “Love never fails.”
