The story below was printed in "Angels On Earth" magazine Drew's Flower I want to preface this story by saying I am by no means a writer and have never done anything like this before. I am, however, a mother who has gone through the worst tragedy a mother ever had to endure and that is the loss of a child. My only son was taken from me in October of 1998. He was only 22. His father, two sisters and I thought we would never be the same and only made it through as long as we have with the help and love of God, friends and family. We have also refused to give up because among the many memories my son left behind he also left a baby boy-my grandson Drew. I am not only writing this story for him but also to anyone else that has been unfortunate enough to share this type of grief. I think of my son Vaughn everyday of my life and I thank God for the small reminders that show me Vaughn will never truly be gone. On December 12th, which was our weekend to have Drew, we were walking from the church to go check on Vaughn's "flowers" as Drew calls all the decoration on the grave of his Daddy's. Drew asked me, "Nana what's my daddy's favorite colors?" I said "purple and black, why?" Drew said, "okay, I'm gonna get me some purple and black flowers." I explained to him that I really didn't know of any black flowers and even purple ones were hard to come by at this time of the year. I told him I planned on getting a Christmas decoration and maybe we could place a big purple ribbon and bow on it. Drew said that would be just fine but he still intended on getting black and purple flowers as soon as he could. I assured him we would do that and went home without really considering it at any further. Monday and Tuesday I was coming home from work up the long lane on which we live, something caught my eye. I really didn't think it was any more than someone being careless with a candy wrapper or other litter and made a mental note to stop and pick it up when I wasn't too exhausted. On Wednesday, however, before I really even knew why or what I was doing I had pulled my car over and was walking toward this object. As I approached, it occurred to me that this was not a piece of brightly colored paper. It was a flower! I got goose bumps thinking how could a flower be growing here in Pennsylvania, in December, at my game...then I heard a voice as clear as if someone were standing directly next to me say, "That's Drew's flower." I took pictures of it for several days so I could save them for Drew and show him next weekend in case the flower didn't make long enough for him to see it. One day I came home and stopped to see the flower (as had become my daily ritual) when I noticed the petals had completely opened to reveal something that made me immediately begin to cry. The center of this beautiful purple flower was jet black. I knew that this was a miracle no matter how small. I knew this was a sign from my son, Vaughn that he had heard his son ask for flowers for his daddy. As I write this on January 15th, the flower is still there like a beacon amongst the dead and decaying winter foliage. It's petals have become a bit brown on the edges but two others are coming in to take it's place. To me this flower is far more than a volunteer from a drifting wind blown seed. It is the best "pick me up" I could have ever received. When I'm feeling sad and missing Vaughn I see Drew's flower and know Vaughn is just fine and God is reaffirming that through the answered request of a three year old for a black and purple flower. If they had come at any other time of the year I would probably have thought nothing of it, but for life to spring forth in freezing temperatures and to last through ice and snow, I know it has endured only because it is as special as my son and just like him the flowers have been protected by God. I realize that in time this flower will inevitably fade but I also know that others will follow to keep it's memory alive just as Drew does for me every time I look into his eyes. Graphis from Graphics By Pat Midi selection: Love Without End Amen