{Millee Flowers}

When I returned from the hospital the day after Millee was born there was the most amazing flowers sent to me from my long time friend, Cristina.  The flowers were amazing and in the arrangement was a flower that I had never noticed before, a flower that would forever remind me of my baby girl.

The day after Millee was born my Mom flew in to be with me, she was staying at her mothers home in Layton.  Jake and I decided that it would be best if I spent some alone time with my Mom and Grandma, so I stayed the night.  When I arrived at my Grandmas home she had beautifully arranged flowers from her garden in a vase, it was that flower again,  the one that stopped me in my tracks by its simple softness and beauty.  The next morning while appreciating the serene beauty of my grandparents yard and well manicured garden, my eyes were fixated on theses beautiful full bloomed bushes of that very same flower.  The flower that quite literally had taken my breath away.  It was such a beautiful sight.  That is when I discovered my new found love of such a fabulous flower. They are called peonies. They were greatly over looked by my own eyes until the day before.

Later that afternoon my Mom and I went to order flowers for Millee's casket.  As we were picking out the flowers for the spray I told my mom I wanted the flowers that were in Grandma's yard (I could not remember the name of them).  That was the flower that set the tone for her funeral.

At the funeral the next day my grandma showed up with the most beautiful bouquet of those flowers (what was their name again?).   And because I was having such a hard time remembering the name of the flower I told my Grandma that I called them the Millee Flower, because it reminds me of Millee.  My Grandma said that they bloom in June so she too, would be reminded of Millee when she saw peonies.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the mail box after a very emotional day and found a letter addressed to me.  I opened it and found a beautiful card with peonies printed on it and a poem that was written by my Grandma. It was thoughtfully written from her heart and means so much to me.


Millee Flowers

My garden is a special place 

where God has touch His hand. 

He teaches of eternity so I can understand

that when even tho the winter comes and 

flowers fade and die, 

in spring the "resurrection" makes my 

garden come alive. 

Within my special garden, in the very sacred ground. 

With blossoms pink and beautiful, 

my Millee Flowers are found. 

They symbolize the tiny babe

so innocent and pure, 

she didn't have to stay on earth, 

temptations to endure.  

I know we'll be united in

Celestial realms above, where God 

provides for families to dwell in joy and love. 

So, in my special garden, when I 

see new life resume. 

I'll find great peace and comfort 

when my Millee flowers bloom. 

Written by Linda Mitchell (Great-Grandmother of Millee Elizabeth)


I am truly touched that a simple "I'm going to call them the Millee Flower" that was mentioned to my Grandma turned into one of the most treasured possessions I own.  I continue to be deeply touched by its words, it is simply perfect.
And forever I will call Peonies the "Millee Flower"
Thank you Grandma!