The Intrepid Daffodil

The past season has been highly unusual, weatherwise. We called it winter, but in early January the trees were in bud and the crocuses were a full seven inches above ground. Then, of course, we had a string of ice and snow storms, causing Fayette County schools to be closed every Wednesday for a month. Ever since, we've had a lovely mild spring for several days, followed by hard freezes for the next few days. This past Tuesday, it was a sunny seventy -- perfect for a morning tramp through Raven's Run. Wish you could have been here with me, walking buddies! We've barely broken the forty degree mark since.

What's my point? In the community where the Music Institute is, there are several deserted flowerbeds. One of them must have been tended in the fall, because it is now full of small daffodils in bloom. These daffodils have been trying to come up since January, only to be frozen and covered with snow. Somehow, they have lived. Despite the tempest, despite the frost, despite all the abuse they've suffered through the season, they are nodding cheerful yellow faces to the world. "Yes, yes, spring is coming," they seem to say, "Just hold fast; life will be reborn! New joy is on its way!" It's a beautiful thing.