Thought for the Day…The azaleas are blooming somewhere..

Callaway Gardens, Augusta National and my parent’s backyard — all known for their spectacular azalea display each spring…

No, I guess my parent’s backyard is not that well known, nor the bushes as large as they seemed as a child — but it was wonderful to see them in bloom last weekend in Central Florida.

I loved to pick the azaleas as a child. Their branches are sturdy and the blooms fairly hardy. The perfect flower for a child’s talent and temperament. Lots of color. And big flowers (at least the ones in our backyard).

How many bouquets I picked for my mother I can not count. But someday soon, when the bushes start blooming in Madison, I will go out and gather another handful and place them on the table in the hall. Then and only then will spring truly have arrived.

So just think — those who are growing winter-weary; the azaleas blossoms are making their way northward…from Gainesville to Lake City from Valdosta to Macon. Then all the way to the very old, very anemic bush of pink outside my window. Whom I love very dearly.

Yes, the azaleas are blooming somewhere and begining their march….

Thanks be to God. 0032