Flowers can be highly symbolic both during life and as a comfort after the passing of a loved one.
I totally associate sunflowers with my late father. He introduced me to Van Gogh’s great paintings of these bright, cheerful flowers and he loved to take photographs of them.
I bought him a huge big bunch for what I knew would be his last birthday in June 2010 and later that Summer brought him photographs of some beauties which people grow by their gate way on the road which he loved between Tramore and Annestown.
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress of those sunflowers over the last few weeks and headed out there this morning in the mist to see if they were in full bloom.
The whole experience gave me such a strong sense of connection to Dad and I can only smile as I write this and think of the delight in his eyes when he saw me arriving with the bunch that day on his birthday.
It’s well worth finding out your parent’s preferences about flowers ~ if you don’t already know them ~ and weaving them into your relationship with them. They can have such a calming effect and it’s always great to know that the flowers will continue to bloom year after year and appear in all sorts of different places, such as poetry and art.
Vincent Van Gogh
Source: Wikimedia
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
I agree. I’ve always associated roses with my mother.
Sheryl, thanks for writing and I just have to ask if you associate any particular type/colour roses with your mother. They are one of my favourite flowers, too, especially climbing ones with great fragrance.
Wonderful post, Jean…my Dad will turn 95 in Oct. and he’s still driving. I say my prayers. He’s sharp as a tack, though, and his memory is better than mine! Anyway, Mom loved her garden and pink roses are what remind me of her. Dad continues to buy flowers each week to lay on her grave, but I don’t think he has a preference. I don’t really think of flowers when I think of him..I think more of chocolate malts. 🙂 But, I do love sunflowers and this painting of Van Gogh is gorgeous…