I’ve missed you Jonquils, buried in the dark earth during the winter months. You mystify me in the way you store up blooming and surviving power in your damp, cold bed. From such a homely bulb origin, you burst forth signaling the arrival of spring, and you do it with such beauty and grace. Welcome back!

I’ve missed you Green Grass. You have been submissive in wearing your dead, brown garb all winter. When the frigid rains, sleet and icy temps made their continued visits to you, your trust in your roots to retain life impressed me. Now the freshness of your rich green colors impress me. Welcome back to your growing season. I promise not to complain about your relentless, vigorous energy.

I’ve missed you, Green Leaves and Shading Branches.  I’ve watched your gray “arms” being tossed in the sharp winds and sympathized with your inability to seek shelter from the freezing rains. You never gave up but clung to the assurance that life was stored in your tree trunk. You survived again, and the green tint appearing on all those once lifeless trees is most welcome.

I’ve missed you, Mr. Sun. Oh, I know you are a daily constant, but our earth dwelling has moved in God’s miraculous orbit to remind us how much we depend on you. I’m grateful to feel your warming and growing rays closer to home!

I’ve missed you feet-burning Sand and warm, tilled Soil. You felt piercing winds and biting frosts, but you absorbed and endured winter’s attacks. I’m glad for a happy place for bare feet.

I’ve missed you, gentle and refreshing Winds. Your kin who viciously whipped my wind chimes and bird feeder seemed heartless. Those winds chapped my face and made me run instead of walk. I’m glad they have blown out to sea and allowed your warm breezes to cool my perspiring work and make my wind chimes sing again.

I’ve missed you little Hummingbirds. You’ve traveled an unbelievable distance to be back for my enjoyment and for your addiction to sugar syrup. I trust your absence will be a needed reminder to keep your feeder filled.

Winter, you have taught us a lot about endurance and hope amid adversity. For that I am grateful, and I know you are an essential season ordained by our Creator, but you have completed your assignment here. Happy travels and WELCOME, SPRING!

Letters to Camille Anding may be sent to P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.