What Brings Me Peace

Pretty Little Coco

Last week I had to make the painful decision to put my 12-year-old cat to sleep.  She had been pretty sick for the last couple of months, and I knew this day would come.  The vet said she was 100% sure it was time, and I know it was the merciful thing to do.  Yet...the rawness of the loss is still so hard.  It was hard to lose her, and hard to be reminded of what loss feels like.  I wept a lot that day. Prayed grateful prayers that God showed me when it was time.  Hugged my puppy extra hard.

Last week I also had a chance to visit not one but two botanical gardens.  Those visits ended up being like a balm to my hurting heart.  You know what cheers me up?  Flowers.

I took these pictures at the Orchid House at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens:

I took these at the McMillan Greenhouse at UNC Charlotte: 

Being in the presence of such exquisite natural beauty sets me on a path to peace. I hope my pictures today bring you a little peace, too.