Bloom: When Relationships Bloom

By Jeanne Takenaka

My Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—Bloom. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. I write for five minutes on a given topic. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out Lisa-Jo Baker‘s site. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!

I just returned from our family vacation. My sister and her family, my parents, my other sister and us.

We spent days “almost camping,” because this girl doesn’t do tent camping.

One afternoon, we walked around Crested Butte, in the mountains of Colorado. Wild flowers bloom everywhere (which must be why they hold an annual Wild Flower Festival). We talked, ate ice-cream and other sweets and laughed. Together.

Three boys running, one girl gazing at and pining for stuffed animals.

And relationships bloomed.

Sharing happened that has never happened within our family before.

Hearts opened. And seeds were planted and bloomed.

As I watched my brother-in-law with his children, arms wrapped around each other, I smiled. He’s (and my sister) watering seeds planted within them. Teaching them how to be a man and a woman.

My honey and I learned from our family this week. We want our relationships with our children to bloom, not just with a flower here or there, but with vine arms wrapped around necks and waists and hearts.

Blooming happens with sun and water. With words of honesty and affirmation. And in the case of children, with intentional training.

The wildflowers in Crested Butte were colorful and amazing.

But what I’ll remember most is children laughing and hearts connecting as the sun shone down on us. As we watered each other with hugs, a little begging, with smiles and sharing memories.

Family relationships bloom when watered with love.

That’s what I want for my kids, for my family.

What about you? What helps you bloom? How do you water the relationships in your life?

Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday: Bloom