a stuffed succulent

My brother bought me a stuffed aloe plant. For context I have three pots of succulents that are named Timothy, Timothy 2, and Timothy 3, respectively. And reading that back it sounds made up but I promise I’m not lying. Well when you move cross border you can’t take plant life or dirt across. Eventually I’ll have to leave my plants, which I sprouted and grew from one single clipping years ago. I’ll leave them to a good home because they can’t come with me. 


When I became aware of this whole no dirt across the border rule, it was probably like a year ago. So I’ve been prepping myself for this eventuality for some time now. But I remember talking about this with my family and when they told me I couldn’t take my plants with me I cried. Like real big fat tears that felt silly but oh so real. 


So today, the day I’m writing this, is Valentines day. I got up and was making myself breakfast and my younger brother walks over to me and says he got me something. And he hands me a succulent stuffy, an aloe plant specifically. He said so I’d have something because I couldn’t take my plants with me and so he never had to buy me valentines day flowers again. It was quite possibly the sweetest thing he’s ever done for me and I honestly can't thank him enough. 


When they said to be known is to be loved, they weren’t kidding. Only my family, who has watched me water and proudly proclaim the vitality of my plants, would understand just how sad I was and am to not be able to keep them. Its a small thing but a meaningful one all the same. Just as the gesture of a stuffed aloe plant is small but oh so meaningful. 


And I suppose when I said I wanted a soft kind of love this might be close to what I meant. My high standards can be blamed not just on my fathers undying love for me, but my brother’s care and affection as well. Yes a soft love for my soft life, because there is strength in the gentleness and softness.  


A belated happy valentines day to the lovers of love. And to those of us who hold close to our dreams on days like these. I hope someone in your life loves you enough to buy you a stuffed aloe plant too. 

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