"Selah And The New Dress" continued...

Day 2

"Granna's Rose Garden"

Granna tenderly touched Selah's blond curls as the last shades of light disappeared from the tree tops.


What a day! My little angel is sleeping so soundly.... Granna remembered the tea party she and Selah had enjoyed by the rose garden. With heavily scented yellow cabbage roses to the left, an inviting table set for two was complete with warm country peach tea and vanilla tea cakes. Of course, Katie accompanied them. Katie went to all of Selah's tea parties! She was given to her by Granna as a birthday gift three years ago. Her weathered skin and fading gingham dress showed the special affection Selah had for her. She sat still and quiet on the patch work quilt beside the wrought iron bistro set where the two ladies immersed themselves in friendship, tea and stories.



"Selah and Katie, I want you two to know that this very rose garden was planted many, many years ago by Grandmother Sadie's mother, Ivey Elizabeth. Because of careful pruning and much attention over the years, it has not only survived, but thrived into a lovely, delicate garden. The red tea roses in the back are named after President Lincoln and the white and yellow cabbage roses were planted by my momma, Ona. The pink tea rose on the far right is named Wild
Wonder. I planted it the day you were born. See how tall and beautiful it has become? Even since last year, it is yielding more blooms! Mmmmm...smell it, doesn't it have a delightful scent? Those are the roses I chose for the bouquet in your room."

"Granna, what is the oldest rose in your garden?" Selah asked.



"Well, Say, we've replaced many of the older bushes, but the lavender florabunda rose has been here since great Grandmother Ivey planted it. It's name is Enchanted Evening. Here, take one." Granna gently plucked off one of the luscious blooms and handed it to Selah.



"Granna, how did Enchanted Evening survive all these years?", Selah's curiosity was obvious. "Well, honey, your question is a good one. I asked my mother the same thing! Your great Grandmother Ona answered me this way. 'When you love something so dearly, you are willing to do whatever it takes to preserve it. My mother Sadie was always very careful to water the Enchanted Evening first because it represented something her mother, Ivey Elizabeth, loved.' So, Selah, it must have been the love that we've each one had for our mother that has provoked us to care for Enchanted Evening. It's kind of like a heritage of love. Momma picked a rose from this same bush and explained to me the importance of loving one another. From that, she pointed out that we show our love for one another by taking care of one another's needs.....

just as we've done for this rose." Selah was speechless. She marvelled at the memories Granna shared of the Enchanted Evening rose and how special their love for one another really is.....from generation to generation.


"Oh, Granna, that's so beautiful." Selah whispered.



Back in Selah's room, Granna shook her head and smiled remembering today. She gently pulled the warm blanket over Selah's shoulders. She quietly thanked the Lord for this time she shared with her granddaughter.


"Lord, let these moments be special ones. With Your crowning approval, I ask that Selah's heart be opened to Your Way. Please help me to be sensitive to Your timing this week. I've waited eight years for this! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I ask these things, amen."

Granna kissed Selah's soft cheek as she rose quietly from the bed and dimmed the lamp as she slipped out the door and down the stairs.




(to be continued)