I like to think of myself as a cactus or a succulent. But I’m not.
I’m more of an orchid.
Not the beauty of an orchid, rather the neediness of an orchid.
That’s me. Now. A needy, fucking orchid.
These days, I am a precious, delicate, precarious, being. (Thank you, Candace).
One tiny, slight adjustment to my herbs/supplements/western medicine throws me asunder.
The only other humans I know who maintain such an intricate dance with their hormones are the two humans birthed. (God bless Ryan).
I’ve been in bed for two days from the smallest of hormonal tweaks, and you, Mary, woke up one day and were told, “You will now have a baby and that baby will be so important he will save the world and you won’t even get to have sex. But. You will bear witness to his torture and crucifixion, and will be unable to do anything about it. However, he will be of very strong stock, i.e. the son of God, and after 3 days, he will push a giant rock away and go to Heaven. Godspeed.” (Gabriel)
Clearly, neither I, nor my children, would have been able to accept those terms.
Had it been me, I would have said, “No. I’m sorry, good sir, but I, and my future offspring, are merely orchids, you clearly need a succulent, or maybe a cactus, for that role. Godspeed to you.”
I’ve been praying to Mary for a couple of weeks. I’m not Catholic but I’m assuming it’s ok. I’ve also been speaking to angels, leaning into karma and trying to embody Buddha. So, there’s that…
Whether you believe in her story or not, it’s a great fucking story, and she’s like the world’s greatest mom.
Mary’s strength, resilience, and unconditional love offer me peace. And hope.
So, Mary, thank you, for saying yes.
Sending extra love and badass mojo to all this weekend,
Juli
PS
May you find peace in your own faith whatever that may be. And may you be more of a succulent than an orchid.
This is my Mary. She was a gift from my grandmother who is one of the angels I’ve been chatting up lately. Interesting mix of authors Mary stands with on my bookshelf. But, alas, there is no rhyme or reason for my book selection or positioning. Godspeed, friends.
Jules, I answered you, but think it's lost in the cloud! Love you; love this. Wishing for you more succulent moments than orchid ones. And, as I believe with you that Mary was/is amazing; I wish you a bonafide Mary moment as well!❤️. Mom
I pray to Mary often; I pray rosaries when I run(jog), so Hail Mary’s in tens. You may not be Catholic but you so perfectly described Mary!!
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art though among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”