Spring from a windowsill

Dear brother,

Has it actually been a year since you have been gone? Every time spring comes to visit it reminds me of our days as children. That very morning when we woke up to see that the snow had melted and our backyard was full of green, and the first thing we would do was run in the yard chasing each other until our bodies became tired. Do you remember during our spring break how we went to our grandparents' orchards and picked fuzzy peaches and ruby red apples and then coming home and bake a delicious apple pie? I believe that we always took this season for granted, we always considered it to be a trailer for summer, but after maturing, I started to adore spring because of the memories we shared when we were children.

As spring wakes from its slumber, it stirs a new earthly glow that crosses the horizons. We used to prance in joy after being freed from winter’s icy embrace and bathe in the sunlight. We did not notice the first signs of spring, we just noticed that our snowmen had melted, and the Earth had been showered with a soothing glow. That is why since you left all I ever did is sit by my window and watch as the new season come in as a mountainous gift from God brought in one pebble at a time.

The first sign, dear brother, is when you hear the sweet mellifluous lullaby of spring playing in everyone’s ears, replacing the soft whispers of winter. With that, the memories of the somber season left without a trace. It brings a sense of hope into the world, expected from the season of birth; birth of blossoming flowers awakening from their buds, birth of the green glow that flourishes in the ground only to course through the veins through the soles of our feet. The dewy smell of freshly cut grass wafted into my apartment, refreshing my mind with every breath I took The lakes, ponds and rivers thawed away once the sunshine caved in, and the gentle sound of a stream that courses nearby soothe the earth as fish such as trout and catfish reminiscence in the sunlight that entered the water, the surface shimmering and sparkling like glitter.

Winter settles her icy bouquet for the months as spring ripples in a sea of warmth and fresh blooms, awakening creatures and critters that were asleep in every nook and cranny. The second sign is watching the blanket of snow melt into the lush grass as blossoms rise from the ground preaching to heaven, blooming to reveal its soft hearts hidden within. Daffodils and tulips soaked in the tepid air, their bright petals heralding the start of the new season. Magnolias flourish their pristine white petals and butterflies, and bees visit and bless each blossoming bud. The flowers bloomed as if they were dancing in the formation of a rainbow.

The bare-naked trees flaunted their new leaves that covered their boughs, fresh fruit beginning to sprout on their branches, which leads us to our third sign of spring: animals awakening from hibernation and birds migrating back to the mainland. During the bitter winter, these creatures snuggled up in their homes in a long sleep until they feel the gentle kiss of springtime on their eyelids. Up above nestled amongst its leaves is a robin intricately making its home with sticks and mud. The gentle melody of bluebirds echo throughout the meadow while more birds chime in. Soon these birds will bring life to these empty trees, and I will watch these baby birds take flight by winter.

Even the squirrels scurry up the trees bathing their furry coats in warmth after a cold and harsh winter, it will only be a while until they must go back to their busy jobs of gathering nuts for the next winter. Bunnies with auburn fur hop out of their burrows and play around in the grass, munching on the blades from time to time. Their delicate ears perk up upon hearing songbirds and the gentle springtime breeze rustle through the grass. I wish you could see the outdoors from my perspective, it is as if mother nature had painted a gorgeous painting that could be hung in the Louvre.

The fluffy white clouds embellish the clear, blue sky, gawking at us earthly creatures from high above. In a meditative buzz like a choir, the bees blessed every flower as they sung their way thanking the Lord for the gorgeous blooms that will assist them in making fresh batches of honey back at their hive. The aromatic spring air lures butterflies out of their cocoons as they flutter their wings that reflect the April sunlight in a whirl of color.

I sat by my window, watching the change happen right before my eyes, and mesmerize at nature’s magnificent metamorphosis. Every single moment I fall in love with its glorious green hues mixed with a tint of pink and yellow. What a season to fall in love with, a season that makes you look forward for tomorrow while celebrating the present. It really gives you a brand new outlook on life, which I truly admire.

Most people would think that I would hate spring because that was the time when you were snatched away from us, but to be frank, the real reason why I long for spring to come is because it is the only time I can feel a connection with you. It is the only time I feel like we are still those immature kids who took this season for granted. Spring comes in one day and leaves when you least notice it. Before you know it, you feel the tidal wave of summer wash through the streets and spring becomes a forgotten memory. My dear brother, I hope you notice the first signs of spring from now on, so you could remember me even from the heavens.

Lots of love,

Your dear sister.