There is a very unique language, the language of flowers. Over the centuries, flowers have taken on different meanings, and the people of the time knew and understood these meanings.聽 This was especially true in Victorian times, when one just didn鈥檛 say certain things to another face to face, but the message could be sent with flowers. If a young man was pining away for the affections of a certain young lady, he could send her a bouquet of primrose to say 鈥淚 can鈥檛 live without you.鈥� But if the young lady sent back a bouquet of yellow carnations, it meant 鈥淚 just want to be friends鈥�.
Even today, certain flowers bring an instant message to mind: roses, especially red roses, mean true love.聽 Myrtle is love, and still a symbol of marriage. Lily of the valley is purity and sweetness.
Today I鈥檇 like to make up a floral bouquet of wishes to three very special men who will be leaving our community: the Redemptorist fathers at St. Mary鈥檚 Ukrainian Catholic Church. 聽
Fr. Bohdan Lukie, Fr. Ray Lukie, and Fr. Methodius Kushko have worked tirelessly in the community in so many ways, from being pastors and conducting thousands of services and blessings at the church for their parishioners, driving out to many smaller parishes, visiting at the hospitals and nursing homes, being guests on the radio and television, and being strong and vibrant members of the community. They will be leaving Yorkton in a short time, and I wish them every grace and blessing in the next chapters of their lives.
My bouquet would contain many flowers to represent my wishes for them: pink carnations to say 鈥淚鈥檒l never forget you鈥�; gladiolas and rosemary for 鈥渞emembrance鈥�; white hyacinth to represent 鈥減rayers鈥� for the future. I鈥檇 add in some goldenrod to represent 鈥済ood luck鈥� and 鈥渆ncouragement鈥�; sage for 鈥渨isdom鈥�, and thyme for 鈥渃ourage鈥�.聽 There would be violets for 鈥渓oyalty鈥�, pink roses for 鈥渓ove and happiness鈥�, yellow roses for 鈥渏oy鈥�, and a mixed rose collection for 鈥済ratitude鈥�. I鈥檇 include geraniums and irises for 鈥渇riendship鈥�, heather for 鈥渁dmiration鈥� and chrysanthemums for 鈥渓ong life鈥�. There would be zinnias for 鈥渢houghts of absent friends鈥�, and forget-me-nots for 鈥渕emories鈥�.
For greenery I would include a branch of oak for 鈥渟trength鈥�, ferns for 鈥渃onfidence鈥�, and聽 sprigs of ivy for 鈥渇riendship鈥�.
And finally, cyclamen to say 鈥済oodbye鈥�. 聽
Dear fathers, thank you for your faith and dedication, your hard work, your friendship, and all that you have been to your parishioners and many friends in Yorkton. Though your paths now take you in different directions, may you look forward with hope and enthusiasm.聽 God bless and keep you always: Mnohaya lita!
Gardening friends, make a note and plan to attend the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society Annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show, Wednesday, August 7 from 1:00 till 5:00 p.m. at St. Gerard鈥檚 Parish Complex, 125 Third聽 Avenue North, Yorkton.聽 This is a chance to see the best of the gardening season! Your admission includes coffee or tea and dainties, so bring a friend or two and enjoy a most pleasant gardening afternoon! Everyone is welcome!
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what鈥檚 鈥渃oming up鈥� with the horticultural society.聽 Have a great week and be sure to wear a hat!
