Divine Rose

My mother's first name, Susan, means "rose" in Hebrew. Diane, her middle name means

"heavenly" or "divine". Of this " Rose Divine" I could recount endless Martha-Stewart-rivaling meals she made from scratch growing up, countless warm hugs and kisses, her incredible acrylic artwork which she simply gives away to friends and family, or the constant support she gave as she helped forge the new path for 'Soccer Moms' in the ‘80s. Yet the most striking feature I can see is she is the friendliest person that I know. In fact, she is well-known for this in the Valley in Northwest Montana where we both have grown up: something like a local celebrity. Everywhere we go, she knows people, and they know her. She knows more people that anyone else I have met.



One time we were at least 3000 miles from home on vacation in Florida. We were hopping around unchartered territory, exploring endless seas of cars, people, and warm, humid weather in the middle of December - miles from anything recognizable, far from friends, school, and work. Then mom finds her - a long lost friend she met in college. Impressed beyond words, we stood there in almost-unbelief with our mouths hanging open as they caught up on their families and shared a few quick memories. Subsequent trips to Alaska, Pennsylvania, and even Israel proved to uncover a similar den moiré: running into someone she knew or at least establishing some connection with their second-relative or close friend.



As I pondered the meaning behind the phenomenon, I began to conclude that it arose from a motive of love for people – an insatiable desire to know them, understand their needs, and help them. She cares about people, and they know it. She confidently gives of herself indiscriminately to common, everyday people like others give whole-heartedly to orphaned children in Africa. This care permeates like an other-worldly blossom, of noble birth, which draws humanity to stop and enjoy its beauty and fragrance and to contemplate the mystery of its Source. It has a shameless approachableness, which carries with it a fear to harm its delicate nature, or trample on its sanctity. They stand aghast, convicted – in awe of something simple, made holy. It arises from rough, dark earth like a sign and wonder of the miracle of heavenly presence – bringing with it hope, faith, healing. It communicates the most simple, yet striking words: “I love you.”