I am sitting under our avocado tree sipping my morning coffee. My mind wanders without restrain embraced by the peaceful serenity of our lush and exuberant back garden.

The apple tree across from where I am sitting soothes my senses with its honeysuckle fragrance, while the dense grapefruit tree observes in quiet contemplation, adding its own fragrance’s signature. The lemon tree, standing small amongst them all, sends its own jasmine lemony aroma while telling the giants that surround him, ‘Be patient, I am growing.’

Notwithstanding her late calls last night from the hospital, I am at peace. I am at peace, held by the tranquility of our secret garden, and cuddled in Buddha’s bosom, who, sitting in his perennial contemplative posture under the intense pink rose bush, tells me not to worry; tells me to remember that life, this reality we are all trapped in, is not real.

His tender and soft message, which I can hear ever so clear, ‘The things we see that appear to be present, are not what they seem.’ Telling me to remember that this life is Maya, the Sanskrit word for illusion.

From my serene stance under our ancient and wise avocado tree, I tell him that I know that is the nature of reality, ephemeral and transient. But, in my mother’s heart, she will always be my little girl.

My little girl calling from over a thousand miles away to just hear me telling her, in a soothing momma’s voice that I am, at that very moment, holding her in my arms while caressing her hair. Telling her that everything is going to be okay.

My little girl, all alone in a hospital room, calling me, late at night; so my words, traveling the distance that separates us, can bring to her hospital room the calm serenity of our secret garden; the calm serenity that our avocado tree whispers to me during the tranquil hours of the morning.

 

Suzanna is a published writer and poet in English and Spanish. Her memoir, ‘This is your story, Spin,’ a tribute to her youngest son, after his tragic death, was published in 2021 in both languages. You can contact Suzanna at [email protected].