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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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April 18, 2016

My Snowball Tree Love Story

Several years ago, on a rainy Spring day, my son noticed me staring out one of the back windows. He came over and stood next to me and said, “What are you looking at Mama?” (I miss the days of being called mama!)

“I’m watching Daddy get some clippings from the snowball tree for me to bring into the house”, I replied.

vintage vignette

“Why does he have the ladder and those long clippers?” he asked as he watched his father maneuvering around the tree.

“So that he can get the blooms that are on the top and out of Mommy’s reach. Isn’t it so romantic that Daddy would do that for me? That is love right there buddy!”

“WHAT? That’s romantic?” he said with such indignation and almost downright disgust. This boy was definitely in the ‘blech’ phase when it comes to all things lovey-dovey.

“Absolutely!” I declared.

In that moment I realized that right then and there, standing in the kitchen next to my boy I not only was looking out the window at my beloved who through rain and wind was determined to get me those flowers.

I was also looking at a window of opportunity.

Here was my chance to share with my son about love…and romance…and how it’s not like those Disney movies where all of the lovey-dovey stuff is so obvious and predictable and over the top.

I put my arm around him and said, “Here’s the thing sweetie. Daddy knows me better than anyone else on this earth. He knows how much I love that snowball tree. He remembers the time that he trimmed the branches back thinking that it would be helping it that year but instead it didn’t bloom at all and I cried and blamed him and might have called him a ‘snowball killer’.

snowball blossoms centerpiece

He also remembers how the next year when it bloomed even bigger and better than ever before he didn’t say, ‘I told you so!’ but instead graciously accepted my sheepish apology for freaking out the previous year. And he and I still laugh about that. Daddy knows that every day I look out the window and see all of the enormous blossoms at the tippy top of the tree and I ache thinking that they are going to go to waste and how badly I want to bring them into the house or give them away to friends by the armful.

And, because Daddy knows me so well and loves me so much, he is out there in the rain hauling that ladder around and asking me to point out exactly which branches I want him to cut. He does that because when you love someone…really, really love them…you know them through and through. Heart and soul.”

“And that, precious son of mine, is romantic.”

Spring bouquet with lilacs and snowball blossoms

He shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk away. He may or may not have mumbled, “whatever you say mom” but I was too distracted as I gazed adoringly at my husband to notice.

I turned to finish cleaning up the kitchen but a few minutes later walked back over to the window to check on the snowball clipping progress and was greeted by an incredible sight.

My boy…the same boy to whom the word ‘romance’ seemed almost repulsive, was there in the backyard.

Sitting on top of the ladder.

Pointing out the snowball blossoms he thought his dad should cut.

As he turned around and saw that I was watching him, he gave me a grin.

I sat there staring at him and marveling over the fact that the baby boy I cradled in my arms almost 11 years ago was the same big kid with the long legs dangling from his perch on the top of the ladder.

I thought about how quickly the time was passing and imagined a day in the future when his wife will be in awe at how thoughtful and loving and caring and romantic he is.

And how I will say to her, “You’re welcome!” 😉

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27 Comments Filed Under: Good Thoughts, Spring

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Comments

  1. Marie says

    April 18, 2016 at 3:19 AM

    How true and poignant. I told my daughter she can always determine the character of a man by his relationship to his Mother, and his honesty and integrity by how he treats her, his isters, and even strangers.
    Great post…it made my day!

    Reply
  2. Jane Windham says

    April 18, 2016 at 3:25 AM

    What an awesome story and those snowballs are gorgeous!

    Reply
  3. Laura Booten says

    April 18, 2016 at 3:57 AM

    What a great post.Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  4. Rebecca Turner says

    April 18, 2016 at 4:20 AM

    Who doesn’t love a love story? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a snowball tree, but since I love white, I’m sure I would love to own one. I had to laugh at your story about freaking out over the pruning, because it sounded like me. I’m sure I would’ve been doing a war dance. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Amy Paparone says

    April 18, 2016 at 4:28 AM

    This post was the BEST! A little piece of real life, filled with all the good stuff life can hold all rolled into one. You are Blessed!

    Reply
  6. Marlene Goodman says

    April 18, 2016 at 5:11 AM

    Beautiful story. It made me tear up. What a wonderful lesson on love. So happy for you he listened and got the message.

    Reply
  7. heidi @ Decor & More says

    April 18, 2016 at 5:31 AM

    SO sweet!! thanks for sharing!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  8. Beverly Collins says

    April 18, 2016 at 5:52 AM

    What a teachable moment, straight from the “throne of grace”. You are correct in recognizing how time flies, and one day his wife will thank you for teaching him the important things in life.
    Beautiful snowball tree, as well. I just bought two to plant in my yard, hoping they will survive here in Central Florida. I am going to give them a try.

    Reply
  9. june says

    April 18, 2016 at 7:39 AM

    I love your story today! I too love snowballs but mine are not in bloom yet in Minnesota! I suppose it is because just over a week ago we could literally make “real” snowballs. So I will enjoy the many I have dried around my home for now.

    Don’t you love having a son. I have two and they continue to bless my life every single day.
    I will warn you…they grow up quickly:( Our youngest will graduate college in a few weeks and then it is off to grad school mid summer.

    Our oldest will be getting married in less than 8 weeks. Just wait until your son brings home the girl he wants to marry. We are being bless with an amazing daughter in law. I told her the day they were engaged that when he was a baby I would hold him and wonder what the girl would be like that he falls in love with. I would pray that she would have all the wonderful qualities of someone he would want to be with the rest of his life and most importantly love his heart as much as I did. He hit it out of the ballpark and we LOVE her to pieces. I told her that it is with honor that I give her his heart.

    Don’t mean to get all mush and serious on you…your pics and story really warmed my heart today and brought back a lot of memories of the little guys that still needed mommy.

    Reply
  10. Karen Green says

    April 18, 2016 at 8:33 AM

    This is one of the most beautiful stories ever. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Gwen says

    April 18, 2016 at 5:16 PM

    Just loved this. Plus I didn’t know what flower this is–blush–as they do not grow here. And I get to see them in their glory from your photo. Glorious!! Your guys–oh and the huge flowers too

    Reply
  12. Lisa Mothersead says

    April 19, 2016 at 1:25 AM

    I love this story. Sweet. ❤️

    Reply
  13. Catherine says

    April 19, 2016 at 9:58 AM

    What a beautiful message and that tree is gorgeous!

    Reply
  14. Irene says

    April 25, 2016 at 7:48 PM

    Hi What a sweet story. Love your snowball tree. Do you know the correct name of your plant and how
    old is it. Do you cut it back at all anymore. Thanks

    Reply
  15. Wendy Johnson says

    April 26, 2016 at 4:00 PM

    Obviously I am behind on my reading but i had to comment anyway on your beautiful post. Way to teach a lesson mom. You told him and showed him and you will deserve that thank you. I hope you get it.

    Reply
  16. Leslie says

    May 7, 2016 at 9:16 AM

    Precious!! ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
  17. TwoPlusCute says

    May 7, 2016 at 9:28 AM

    I came over Thistlewood Farms.
    What a lovely story. What a unique, wonderful memory your son created for you!

    How sensitive and loving and perceptive he is. And your husband just set the married-guy standards really high. 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 7, 2016 at 5:04 PM

      Oh thank you so much for coming over and for the sweet comment!

      Reply
  18. Bonnie says

    May 9, 2016 at 5:28 AM

    I live in Texas and I don’t recall ever seeing a snowball tree. The blossoms are just beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m so glad that you are taking the time to teach your son how to love in tangible ways and to instill in him the qualities that make a truly good man.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 9, 2016 at 6:24 PM

      Thank you so much Bonnie! So glad you enjoyed the story and the glimpse at my snowball tree. It is definitely a favorite! 🙂

      Reply
  19. SusanP says

    May 9, 2016 at 3:02 PM

    I am so excited I just discovered your blog. A new one to add to my favorites. Also I love this sweet, sweet story you shared about the special men in your life. If I may share…..my 39 year old son still calls me mama. For Mother’s Day he took his daughters to pick out flowers for me and my mom. I was given a dozen beautiful pink roses and she received yellow. He always gives his wife flowers. He also gave me a beautiful card with the sweetest handwritten message. So I’m sure some day not only will he be a loving husband but a son who remembers his mom.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 9, 2016 at 6:23 PM

      Susan I am so thrilled that you came over to say ‘hi’ and I hope we will be seeing more of you in the future! My son still calls me ‘mama’ even in front of his friends and I’m holding onto it for as long as I can but you’ve given me hope that maybe he’ll never stop. 😉 Sounds like you did a wonderful job raising your son!

      Reply
  20. Pamela-FromMyFrontPorchToYours says

    May 4, 2017 at 9:38 AM

    Yes, time is going by way too fast! Our boys are growing into men. Sigh….love your hydrangeas!! That shrub is HUGE!

    Reply
  21. Charlene says

    April 24, 2020 at 3:49 PM

    Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  22. Michele M. says

    April 24, 2020 at 4:46 PM

    Ah, Vanessa you did it again. Read this twice and I am bawling my eyes out.

    Golly you have a way with a story. This was extra precious.

    LOVE those snowballs!!!! Enjoy every single second of them! ♥

    Reply
  23. Tiffany says

    April 25, 2020 at 5:08 AM

    This story is a gentle and beautiful reminder the little things in life can have the longest lasting impact. Thank you so much for sharing it.

    Reply
  24. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    April 25, 2020 at 10:40 AM

    Thanks for sharing your heart with us! Such a beautiful story! Bless you! It’s always great to be able to meet you at The Picket Fence! Always look forward to your chats!

    Reply

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