A White Camellia To Remember

@CarolDM (203396)

Nashville, Tennessee

September 2, 2022 4:08pm CST

Flower in the photo was in Daddy's yard. It is called Camellia. They were snow white. His bush grew into a tree that was taller than his roof. He was so very proud of these blooms. Camellia's only appear in the winter. And on this day, the last day to see them, was after a rain. Or maybe my teardrops left on the petals. Either way, they were gorgeous. Brought a few cuttings home with me but they didn't survive the trip. Five years ago today I said goodbye to Daddy. Was holding his hand when he took his last breath. But he still visits me. Mainly in the garden. And the red cardinal bird visits often during the winter. Daddy loved those red birds, as he called them. I have one that visits often and I believe it is him passing through. Enjoy the moments with those you love and never ever take them for granted. Photo is mine. Taken in Daddy's yard.

26 people like this

22 responses

@rebelann (117199)

• El Paso, Texas

2 Sep 22

Nice shot. I can't really tell where the bloom ends and the leaves begin. It's so hard losing our parents. How is the healing process going?

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@rebelann (117199)

• El Paso, Texas

2 Sep 22

I'm so glad you're doing better. You have an awesome attitude.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

@rebelann Thank you so much, I am really trying to get through this without looking back.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

Thanks, I loved his flowers. Yes it is very hard losing our parents. Headaches off and on, nerve pain is the worst but this too shall pass. Better than I was for sure. Appreciate the concern.

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@LadyDuck (502189)

• Italy

3 Sep 22

I like those beautiful flowers, my neighbor has a bush that is as tall as a tree, those are pink Camelia. You are right about those we love, never a new day is granted.

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@LadyDuck (502189)

• Italy

3 Sep 22

@CarolDM I have photos, but I miss the nice fragrance of those flowers.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

I love them in pink and red. Something special to me about the white ones against the dark evergreen leaves.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

@LadyDuck Those are lovely too and so fragrant. I was really sad I lost the cuttings from Daddy's. Oh well. I have the memories.

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@snowy22315 (208746)

• United States

3 Sep 22

I like camellias. People grow them around here as well.

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@snowy22315 (208746)

• United States

3 Sep 22

@CarolDM I am sure you do. Luckily, you have reminders.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

I miss his so much. So pretty.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

@snowy22315 Memories get me through every day.

@kaylachan (84699)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

3 Sep 22

I never do. I cherish every life I loved and lost. Even if it took me a while in the case of my father.

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@kaylachan (84699)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

3 Sep 22

@CarolDM I figured you might.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

I am sure of that Kayla. I do understand.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

@kaylachan Yep I do. Enjoy your weekend.

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Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (18198)

• Raurkela, India

3 Sep 22

Are these lovely flowers still there in daddy's garden?

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Anindita Sengupta

@aninditasen (18198)

• Raurkela, India

4 Sep 22

@CarolDM Where did you get this photo from?

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

4 Sep 22

@aninditasen I took this photo, see my copyright mark on the photo?

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

His garden is gone I suppose. He lived over 500 miles away and his home has been sold unfortunately. But I can hope they are still there.

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@DevMrSamEleazar (14164)

• Philippines

2 Sep 22

wow this was like a cinematic picture

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

Thank you so much. I went for black and white just because.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

@DevMrSamEleazar No tricks at all and the only edit was to black and white. The sun was shining right on the blooms that day.

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@DevMrSamEleazar (14164)

• Philippines

2 Sep 22

@CarolDM you are welcome. oh I see, well I can agree black and white picture is cool tho. its like I can see every detail. cuz no color trick my eyes

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@shaggin (74988)

• United States

2 Sep 22

Is this an old photo or were you able to go back to his home to take another photo of his beautiful flowers? I assume it must be warm there in the winter. Nothing can grow here under all the snow we get.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

Taken the same year he passed in 2017.. This was in December. He lived in the south with mild winters.

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@shaggin (74988)

• United States

3 Sep 22

@CarolDM ahh okay

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@much2say (57760)

• Los Angeles, California

3 Sep 22

Gorgeous Camellia! Your dad must've had a great love for nature - I can see where you get it from. The garden is full of love, beauty, and meaning . . . what a joy when "those red birds" and many other wonders of nature come to visit

.

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@much2say (57760)

• Los Angeles, California

6 Sep 22

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

He loved nature for sure. And his red birds. We always had so much to talk about.

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@allknowing (153544)

• India

3 Sep 22

Cannot be more grateful that we have memories to rely on. Yours surely is a memory to cherish.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Memories are what keep me going.

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@RebeccasFarm (91299)

• United States

3 Sep 22

A beautiful testament to your beloved Dad Carol RIP

I am glad you got to be there with him too. I sure wish I could have been with my Dad too. The rose is one I had not heard of..it is amazingly beautiful. Thank you for sharing them and him with us.

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@RebeccasFarm (91299)

• United States

3 Sep 22

@CarolDM Thanks Carol

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Thanks so much. These flowers are stunning. I hope to have a tree one day. Sorry about your loss.

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@moffittjc (128824)

• Gainesville, Florida

3 Sep 22

What a beautiful photo and heartwarming story. I’m sure you miss your father a lot. I know I miss mine tremendously.

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@moffittjc (128824)

• Gainesville, Florida

4 Sep 22

@CarolDM It is always hard losing a parent, or any family member. I just do the best I can to keep the memory of my father alive, and to do the best I can to honor him in my daily life. I know you do the same as well.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Thanks Jeff. I miss him every day. He buried two children and Dustin, such a long life to live to 85. It was only he and I left in the family. Such a hard time but I am glad I was there with him in Mobile when he passed. Sorry you lost yours as well.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

4 Sep 22

@moffittjc That is all we can do for sure with all of our loved ones we lose.

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@JudyEv (381760)

• Rockingham, Australia

3 Sep 22

There is a camellia bush here that is nearly higher than the house but the flowers are red.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Many here have the red ones too.

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@LindaOHio (222283)

• United States

3 Sep 22

You were lucky to be there with your Father until the end. I often worry that I will be unable to get to the hospital when my hubby goes. (God forbid). I'm glad you have such fond memories.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Yes I was blessed to be there. He was in Hospice (in the hospital) and was given 24 hours. He lived five days. You will be there.

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Krissttina Isobe

@oahuwriter (26773)

• United States

3 Sep 22

Yes, they do visit and give you signs of departed.

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Krissttina Isobe

@oahuwriter (26773)

• United States

4 Sep 22

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

I do believe the same.

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@Juliaacv (56195)

• Canada

2 Sep 22

What a beautiful tribute to your sweet Dad. I was holding my Dad's hand as he drew his last breaths also. I believe that those who we connected souls with on this earth never leave our side.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

I am so thankful to have been there with him. I believe that as well. It is what keeps me going.

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@RasmaSandra (97912)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

3 Sep 22

Lovely flowers and great scent. Wonderful memories for you, and I know he is ever watching over you.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Thanks, and yes the scent is amazing. Wish I had one in the yard. Much appreciate your support.

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@KristenH (33591)

• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

2 Sep 22

Beautiful flower Carol. Lovely message in this post.

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@KristenH (33591)

• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

4 Sep 22

@CarolDM You're very welcome.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Thank you so very much.

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@DianneN (254949)

• United States

2 Sep 22

You’re right. They smell so wonderful, too. I’m certain your beloved dad visits you in the garden and is watching you from heaven with Dustin and all your loved ones.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

I love the smell too. Maybe one day I can grow my own tree here. I do feel his presence. Thank you.

@AliCanary (4387)

•

2 Sep 22

This is a lovely tribute to your dad! My parents have passed, too, but we have a sweet cardinal couple who visit our feeders. Just saw them today with their fledgling. We have a camellia bush with red blossoms in our yard.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

3 Sep 22

Thanks, just speaking form my broken heart. Good for you to enjoy the birds and flowers too. The red ones are so pretty.

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@dya80dya (36805)

•

2 Sep 22

It's sad when people fight instead of enjoying beautiful moments. Pride can ruin everything.

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@CarolDM (203396)

• Nashville, Tennessee

2 Sep 22

Yes I have to agree.