Still Life Vase with Twelve Sunflowers, 1889
Fuente: https://www.wikiart.org/
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They seek the light, like most plants, like us humans in times of darkness.
Vincent Van Gogh painted them in all their forms: in vases, in fields, under the starry night, and it is said that he used them as a symbol of gratitude.
Indeed, “With gratitude” was the message on the beautifully illustrated sunflower card, along with a matching pin, that was given to the group of volunteers at the grief support centre I belong to.
The dedication drew an analogy between grief and sunflowers (Rhonda Poetker):
“Grief is like a sunflower. In its early days, it requires constant, gentle tending. Fragile and cautious, it turns its face to what offers warmth, healing, and strength. The soft kiss of the sun becomes the quiet force behind its growth – the invitation to keep rising, even in the harshest of circumstances.”
My readers might think I chose a somewhat morbid topic to say goodbye to the year, but I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that it’s quite the opposite.
This field of sunflowers, to which I am honored to belong, is a place of hope, of life, of a constant search for light and truth.
There, we huddle together when the wind blows and weep alongside the renewing rain.
I bid farewell to this year with admiration for my fellow volunteers and the exceptional staff of the Bob Glasgow Grief Support Centre.
If 2025 gave some meaning and purpose to my life, it was thanks to them.
Also, to Atril, my little window where the sun shines on my weekly inspiration.
Van Gogh was right; the sunflower in its golden brushstrokes, radiates vigorous gratitude.
I hope there is nothing sad in this text filled with thanks.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!
“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale.”
William J. Clinton
(This is how we were welcomed at our Christmas gathering)
