I found a highlight plant when I flower shopped with family. I knew exactly where it would go, and I thought it would be striking against my yellow siding. I chose something similar last year—a long-legged small tree. This one has a braided trunk. Where last year’s blooms ranged from deep yellow through shades of light and dark orange, this year is a coral color. And the blooms are delicate. They remind me of tissue flowers.

I was right: they popped against my light house. It was the right purchase. Or so I thought. Several weeks ago, we had a week of windy, stormy weather. The downpours and wind gusts stripped my little delicate tree of all the blooms and most the leaves. I thought for sure it was a lost cause. It looked pitiful, but I wasn’t quite ready to give in. I let the soil dry then resumed the watering routine. I didn’t notice a change for at least a week, but at least it wasn’t getting worse.

Then I noticed a change, and within a week, it was back to its fullness and beautiful blossoms. The delicate petals seem to both pop color off the background while the semi-transparency soaks up the sunlight.

The plant was stronger than I thought. It looked like it was done, but it wasn’t.

It reminds me of some people I know. And myself.

Don’t give up too soon. There might be some beauty that will surprise you with a little patience and care.

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