Everlasting

Flowers of Mum

Wouldn't you consider it odd that a flower should be called 'everlasting'?

Even at a young age, I'd always known that flowers were not forever.

Well, Mum had one of those. In fact, it was an everlasting lei. 

Doesn't this bloom pique your curiosity? 

Look at these intriguing yellow and red garlands. 

They lasted months, even years, I think, after we brought them back as a souvenir from a vacation in Baguio.

I've learned since then that these are dried strawflowers of the daisy family.

If preserved properly, the flowers would keep their shape and color for a long, long time or until dust overpowers them - thus, the name 'everlasting'.

The garland was just too itchy to hang around the neck so Mum simply hung it as decoration on the dining room wall.

Slouching off toward my place at the end of the wood picnic-like bench at the dining table, I could smell the co-mingled scent of strawflowers above my head and the wafting spices of Mum's homecooked meal. 

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. The scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet it can conjure up childhood memories. 

To this day, that is how I'll always remember Mum's everlasting garland.

Vibrant and peppery.

With a side of fried tilapia and pickled green mangoes. 

(To be continued)