The Bird of Paradise has held a special place in our lives since the beginning of our relationship. These flowers were present when we first had our commitment ceremony on a Maui beach many years ago. Lynn still has a picture of me on his desk from this trip and I am posed behind a blooming Bird of Paradise plant. These flowers have also dominated every flower arrangement ever exchanged between us.

About 4-5 years ago we were staying at the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, California. We were awed by all of the Bird of Paradise plants in bloom literally all over the island (well technically it is a peninsula… but I digress). It was on this trip that we realized that we wanted to live someplace where these plants grow outside. It was this trip that started the great adventure that eventually led to our move to the island of Hawaii.

After returning from San Diego I bought Lynn aBird of Paradise plant that we had in our condo for the rest of the time we lived there. It obviously never bloomed but it grew large and always reminded us of happy times and where we were headed. We gave it away when we moved and, depending on who we gave it to, it may still be alive and bringing happiness.

Back in March of this year I purchased a couple of Bird of Paradise plants and found the perfect spot for them in our front courtyard. For months now we have enjoyed having them and knowing what they signify to us and our life. Then a week or two ago I noticed something new emerging from one of the plants. I grabbed Lynn immediately and showed him. Since then we have watched every day to see what it would do. This morning we awoke to find this beautiful new bloom!

I can’t describe the happiness this simple flower has brought us. It feels like we have come home. We live where we can grow Bird of Paradise outside. We are living our dream! Aloha!