The Joys of a Blooming Peony

Gardening can teach you patience.

Photo by author, Gabriela Francisco

Who would’ve thought that the first bloom of my peony would catapult me into exhilaration. Me, who detests smudging my knees with grass stains. Me, who abhors dirt-stuffed fingernails. I am mortified by creepy creatures and squirmy worms.

I have yet to learn patience a garden can teach me. I wish all my flowers blossom at the same time. I want my calla…