Tulips are a favourite with many people - including myself.
Many of my art students have chosen to paint these lovely blooms over and above other flowers - I think there is a softness about these flowers that appeals - it is just sad that they do not last very long in the vase.
Whenever I see tulips, they bring back a bitter sweet memory.
A very good friend of mine that had terminal cancer loved flowers and her favourite was the tulip.
I found this out when the cancer was quite advanced - she was bedridden at this stage but had chosen to remain at home with her husband and two sons who were amazing in the caring of her.
At this time, I was involved with the nursery industry and so had many contacts with local growers and so I put out a plea to ask if anyone could provide me with some tulips that were in flower - I wanted to give my friend a pot of tulips.
I knew that this was a tall ask, but time was running out for her.
Well, one of my growers that specialized in indoor plants said he would see what he could do.
A week later, he produced a beautiful pot of yellow tulips full of buds that were about to open - I have no idea what magic he did as it was not the time for tulips to be flowering.
When I presented the pot of tulips to my friend, her eyes filled with tears and she said "you have brought me spring early this year".
I placed the flowers in her room so that she could watch the blooms unfold each day.
My lovely friend passed away peacefully in her sleep two weeks later.