There is something mystical about the Sonoran Desert.
Her intense sunrises and mesmerizing sunsets lure me into a happy place. As I observe the Sonoran desert’s ecosystem up close, I can’t help but think of how interconnected we all are and how efficient mother nature is when left to her own devices. The perfect example is the delicate bloom of the saguaro cactus.
Each bloom blossoms overnight and perishes within twenty four hours. Yet within that short life span, it gives birth to a pollination station attracting nocturnal bats followed by diurnal birds and bees. The bloom then shrivels into a succulent deep purple fruit that eventually is devoured by the rooting javelina, as it falls to the desert floor. What isn’t eaten decays into the earth, unleashing more seeds and fertilizing the soil. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
I guess I started thinking about the cycle of life as I sat there staring at those blossoms, reminiscing about my own life as I ease into my AARPness.
I can’t help but stop and ponder, what has my contribution to others been on this earth? Luckily, I have been granted more than twenty four hours to “give back”. But at the end of my bloom, well past my fruit bearing days, when my petals lack luster, what have I given to those I’ve encountered? Love and understanding or hatred and indifference? Sustenance and acceptance or greediness and disapproval? Laughter and authenticity or negativity and dishonesty?
I love this little altruistic state flower, leading by example, and reminding us that we all have something sweet to give.
My life with MS