Never Let Anyone Crush Your Orchid

There is a short story, but great meaning behind this orchid.

After walking my first Camino three years ago, I visited a doctor at a walk-in clinic. I was losing a lot of hair. My diet had been lacking sufficient protein during the past year, plus I had been going through a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs the previous months following a hard break-up. To top it off, my body had just endured an 800 kilometer walk across Spain in 31 days. It’s no surprise that I lost a lot of weight and a lot of hair. One’s body is bound to react after all of that!

I chatted with the doctor about my journey and explained the huge transformation I was going through. He listened attentively and talked with me for a little while. He was fascinated by the journey and the positive self-realizations I had gained.

One thing he said to me, that I have never forgotten, is “never let anyone crush your orchid”. The analogy spoke volumes to me about perseverance and following my truth no matter what anyone thinks. It’s my life to live and there are many ways to live a life.

I left that doctor’s office with more than just a lab requisition for blood work. I left with an additional prescription of good advice.  I felt understood and motivated to keep stepping in the direction I was going; in my direction. This orchid was vibrantly blooming and nobody was going to change that. Nobody would crush my orchid.

That was the first time I had ever heard that saying. I have never found the quote online either, but the doctor’s words have always stuck in my head along with the meaning I took from them.

I told Mom about my encounter with the doctor the next time I visited my parents. She was moved by his words too, so she took me to a florist shop and bought me a beautiful white orchid in a lime-green ceramic pot. It has thrived ever since and bloomed often. Life has been good.

The orchid has moved around with me over the years and during my travels it has lived at my parent’s place. Currently, it is blooming on the top of my tiny dresser inside my bedroom here in Cadboro Bay.

Each time I see its large white vibrant flowers I think of the doctor’s words, “never let anyone crush your orchid” and I am reminded that I’m right where I need to be.

So as I admire the orchid tonight, I think of the two people whose compassion made more of a difference in my life than they know, the doctor and my mother. Thank you from the depths of my heart to the both of you.