In early April, as the world sunk deep into the despair of the COVID pandemic shutdown, this bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) appeared in the bare ground under our Japanese Maple tree. I never planted it and there were no signs that it grew there last spring. I am grateful for this unexpected plant. It gave me hope.

I struggled to celebrate the beauty of our first spring in our new house. It felt strange to watch my new garden come alive while the world around me became covered in fear and death. The stories of loss, grief, separation, and loneliness were everywhere. We were all in shock. Our lives changed in days. Suddenly, we had to stay home. We gathered only with our families. We feared a trip to the grocery store or contact with strangers. We made face masks and treasured disinfectant. Anything to keep us free from the virus while others walked into danger doing their daily job to care for the sick and help those suffering.

The unknown plant with fern-like leaves under our Japanese Maple grew a sturdy arching stem. An outstretched arm reaching for hope and wonder. I studied it each day. When pink buds appeared dangling from the stem, I recognized it was a bleeding heart plant. The exquisite flowers slowly emerged into open hearts dropping white tears. I cried. The flowers were delicate and strong. A symbol of all the compassionate hearts in this pandemic. People who cared and prayed for others and ultimately the Creator and Lord of all who weeps with us during this time of pandemic. There is beauty in the sorrow.