The Spark of Life within All

Wonder and amazement surged through my body as I sat on the bottom step of my Hamtramck home. But, just two minutes later it turned to sadness, remorse, and a sense of despair.

Earlier that morning I was sitting at my desk in my grade school classroom waiting for the Tulip I was about to dissect, to be placed in front of me. I was anxious to learn about the life cycle of the Tulip, its parts, how it reproduced, how it aided in a healthy environment. I was very familiar with the plant itself.

My Baba & Gido loved gardening. They took pride in growing a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, from Spring to Fall, annuals and perennials.

As I went through the steps led by our teacher, I didn't notice a sense of Lifeforce within the tulip. It was all mechanical. Gently slicing the stem lengthwise, removing the petals, dissecting the pistil. Then, drawing a diagram of what I learned and witnessed.

I could not wait to get home and rip a tulip out of my grandparent's garden and do it all again. And then…. I did.

I ran to the front porch from the garden so proud. I sat with the perky tulip, admiring its beauty. But slowly, I could feel its Lifeforce leave its avatar; it wilting.

I realized I took that from the tulip. Not in a "shame on me" type of way. Rather, with the realization that it had harnessed life as I do. And that life will leave my body as well.

My respect for the Lifeforce in all things grew from that moment. I began to experience the world around me in a much different way. Connected with all that is.

-MDR