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Every thing has to have a beginning and an end. The cycle of life begins like a beautiful rose whose bud has just begun to show, a small hint of what is to come. So much promise and hope for the future.

As the bud gently opens, she gracefully reveals her petals. The sweet perfume begins to escape, and we see her begin to dress in her gown of silk. Slowly she blooms, reaches tall and proudly in her splendor, her grandeur. Her smell carries, she grows sweeter and stronger, and more intoxicating. Each petal is softer than the one before. You know you should not stroke them, but you cant help yourself. Nothing in the world is as soft as the skin of her petals. Each is so unique and gorgeous. We cherish this rose that is like our blooming life. So strong and yet so fragile. So marvelous and miraculous.

We tend to it and enjoy it while it lasts, for we know its beauty will be fleeting.
For if the rose were to last forever, who would stop to smell it or to care for it or to love it? No one. No one would appreciate it because it would always be there, taken for granted, forgotten. That is what makes life so precious, such a gift.

We do not know how long any flower, any rose in our lives will last. All we know for sure is that one day they too will begin to fade. The rose reminds us that we must honor and love ~ with all that we are ~ for every day that we are blessed with their presence. We never know when our flowers will be gone.

Some flowers will bloom tirelessly, while others will be plagued by disease. Some will seem at their prime one minute, then they are blown away with the next breeze. We must remember cherish their uniqueness. Study every detail, engrave each petal into our memories. So that when our flowers fade and it's time to say goodbye, we will have these memories of their beauty and grace and strength to carry us through.

Learn more about this author, Chris Dixon.
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