Grandma’s living gift to two great-granddaughters

This African violet was taken from cuttings from a family heirloom plant. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Earlier this year, I wrote about my late grandmother’s “miracle flower,” an African violet that was left at the family farm, but somehow, came back to life after I thought all hope was lost.

The violet bloomed, even when the plant looked like it wouldn’t make it and others before it had died.

This plant was special, as I can always remember grandma’s nearly blue African violets blooming in the window of the farmhouse. It had extra sentimental value, as I had been told that one of my grandmother’s sisters had given the African violets to members of her bridal party as gifts, long ago.

Cecelia and Mark’s wedding at CSPS hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in August 2014. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

My grandmother died before she could see her great-grandchildren walk down the aisle, but this summer, one of my nieces was married here in Cedar Rapids, and I was able to pass along a gift from grandma.

Somehow, from that last plant, I was able to take leaf cuttings that thrived into healthy little offspring. One went to my niece, Zoe, who was maid of honor in the wedding, and the other, I still have, until it can make the trip to my niece Cecelia’s home in Minnesota.

My late grandmother’s
Christmas cactus in bloom. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Zoe told me over Christmas that her violet was blooming, and sure enough, the one I have at home for Cecelia has started to bloom, too. At the same time, a Christmas cactus given to me by my other late grandma is in full bloom, as well, bringing back special memories of two wonderful grandmothers.