Photo of my brother (19 yrs) and me (16 yrs) taken by my dad who was always lugging his camera around
After he died suddenly 13 years ago, I brought the plant home to have part of something that belonged to him that was living nearby. Sadly, my brother never married (he was engaged once in college) or had kids so this plant would have to do. For twelve years, like clockwork, his plant bloomed at least once a year anytime between Thanksgiving and as late as Easter.
Christmas cactus bloom from April 2016
A strange thing happened the thirteenth year after he died. The Christmas cactus plant suddenly quit producing flowers late in 2016. It continues to grow fine, and I've sprouted new plants from it.
No more flowers though. I found it odd.
Then in March of 2017, my mom's primary doctor referred her to see a cardiologist and we learned she will need her aortic valve replaced sometime in the next couple of years. (Prayers for my mom are appreciated!)
This is a photo of the all of the dried blossoms produced by my brother's plant since he died. I've preserved them in ziplocs. The top left side baggie was from 2016 -- the last year the Christmas cactus flowered. Notice how it's the only one with discolored, brown flowers out of all of them?
Strange.
Was this a coincidence or related?
I truly believe the flowers quit blooming as a sign from my brother about mom's heart health - a warning.
"Spend time with Mom while you can!"
He would find a way to do that.
I had only one sibling -- just my older brother and myself -- and we were incredibly close. He protected me, pestered me, made me laugh and in the end made me cry harder than I ever thought humanly possible. To this day, it still hurts. But now I own the hurt. It's become part of my being, my essence. The type of love that only a sibling who losses another sibling understands.
This isn't the first time I've had "communication" from beyond though. I welcome your thoughts and shared experiences. I know I'm not the only one this happens to...
*Love never dies!
*❤🕊❤
This is my entry for Day Seven of The 7 Days of Love Challenge hosted by the beautiful @deadgrlsuppastar.
The theme is "Wild Card - As long as it has to do with love."♡❤♡
Learn more by clicking here 7 days LOVE
Image taken with Samsung Galaxy S8 Note and S5
© 2018 Nina Haskin. All rights reserved
wooow this is heartbreaking :( I'm so sorry. A loss is always so hard to overcome. It hurts even after so many years.. It is just a beautiful idea with the flower! Very thoughtful.. The best for your mom! xoxo
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Yeah, you never heal. You just get used to the void -- the "hole" in yiur life. Do you have siblings Nadine? If so, are they in Germany? Thank for commenting!💯@lovablesoul
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Losing someone is never easy, however, that is one thing we can never avoid, we all have time for that. That's why once our loved ones are still here in this physical world, we have to give them importance. Just enjoy the wonderful mem'ries you had of your brother. ^^
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The title “Love Never Dies’ is so true Nina. Beautiful photo of you with your brother. Blessings to you and your mother. Hugs.
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This ia quite unnatural indeed the discoloration from the last flower. I'd love to hear your other stories. You two seems very close Im sorry to hear about your brother. Also about your mom I'm pretty sure everything will turn out fine. We will pray for her.
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That was so sad. I'm sorry for your lost @ninahaskin. I'm sure your brother is watching over you. I'll be praying for your mother...
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I felt really touched reading this, not as much sad as moved though - almost encouraged about the existence of our loved ones after they leave us behind here. MOst people wouldn't notice such a thing, but you laid out those dried petals and you and we all see a clear sign right there. If you weren't honoring the memory of your brother's life and character, there would have been no way to see so clearly what lies there. You are a special person so it isn't surprising you see incredible things
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I am touched by the candor of your response @trumanity I genuinely thank you for taking a moment to reply. I believe with all my heart those we love continue to be around us and show signs. We have to be open to see them. I could fill my blog with stories about things that have happened.💕
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please do!
EDIT - I am fellow qurite [discord@bushgrad] ;-)
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That was my
not sosmartphone doing an "autocorrect" on your username. I corrected it @trumanityDownvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
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I noticed - then edited my own comment to reflect your changes -
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Lol! Steem addiction is real! Thank you for updating your comment accordingly. Happy Friday!😀
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p.s.. I hope your Mother continues to receive the best care and that she does well after the surgery later on.
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Thank you! She's not good at listening to the doctor about slowing down.
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Thank you! @pixresteemer
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I will keep your mom in my prayers!! The blossoms are quite interesting and I don't believe it is coincidence, was beautiful that you thought to preserve them!! ❤
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I will keep your mom in my prayers!! The blossoms are quite interesting and I don't believe it is coincidence, was beautiful that you thought to preserve them!! ❤
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