An artsy edited image of my tulips.
TODAY, WHILE TWO LOVED ONES are viewing the tulip fields of Amsterdam, I am delighting in the tulips that brighten my Minnesota front yard.
And I am celebrating May Day with thankfulness for friends who continue to bring joy into my days with sweet surprises.
This morning my doorbell rang. Twice. I glimpsed legs and arms flying as young friends raced to vehicles driven by their mothers. I hurried to a side window, flashed a wave and a smile and mouthed a thank you.
The first May Day basket to arrive included four construction paper flowers with candy centers.
Then I swung open the front door and retrieved May Day baskets from the front steps.
Four homemade chocolate chip cookies were tucked inside the second May Day basket.
The kindness of these dear and thoughtful friends continues to touch my heart. These are busy young families—one with five children and another with two and fostering a third—who homeschool their children. It takes time and effort to create May Day baskets, then gather everyone into a vehicle and deliver those treats.
The two May Day baskets dropped on my front steps this morning. The one on the right reminds me of the baskets I wove as a child for my mother.
What a fine example these parents are setting, encouraging their children’s creativity and showing them the true joy in giving to others. Their sons and daughters are already growing into fine, compassionate and caring young people. It’s not easy raising kids in today’s world. Just last evening when I saw one of these mothers at a church function, she wished aloud that times were like those on the Andy Griffith show. Simpler. I understand. I’ve often wished that myself.
I’ve raised my children into adulthood. It wasn’t always easy and still isn’t at times. But I have that seasoned experience and ability to see that “this too shall pass.” I can offer the gift of encouragement to young families.
And what I’ve gotten in return are true and cherished friendships.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Super cute.
And super sweet.
Thank you for the memories of my childhood days in Nebraska. Such a sweet tradition and happy to see it is still alive and well.
You are welcome, Rachel. Sweet memories from my childhood, too.
Both hubby and I so remember May Day and the delivering of flowers and sweet notes. As a child it was such fun making these notes and we plucked flowers from Mom’s garden too! So glad you were a recipient of such kindness.
How wonderful that you and your husband also have sweet May Day memories.
…and it’s not only for kids is it 🙂 Happy May Day friend!
No, May Day is for grown-ups, too. Happy May Day to you also, Jackie.
Those are fine young kids. If I were assigned the job, those cookies would have vanished somewhere between the car and the door.
What a wonderful tradition!
Once again, you’ve made me laugh.
A favorite part of this story for me is the concept of the children giving and experiencing the joy of that experience. Imagine their thrill as they tiptoed up to your front door. Thanks for sharing this story, Audrey.
This story is meant to be shared. These kids, these families, are great.