Why do we do the things that we do?
Before I moved to Hawaii, I mostly took a hard pass on visiting botanical gardens around the globe.
Then one day, I decided to take one of my retreat groups to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden. Today, I visited for the 24th time with one of my retreat groups. It has become a staple. What gives?
Is it because this one includes incredible views of the ocean? Partly.
Is it because I made it more fun by implementing a photography contest for our customers? I think this has more to do with my emerging presence practice and competitive nature.
Is it because I like treating my guests to refreshing popsicles afterwards? Not really.
It’s mostly cause of my appreciation and gratitude for orchids. And this particular botanical garden specializes in orchids. But, why do I appreciate orchids?
I don’t think I’ve ever shared this story publically, but I’m inspired to share it today, after returning home from the excursion.
The day my best friend, business partner and cousin Beth Lochtefeld was tragically murdered, it was two days after my birthday.
I was experiencing the most horrific pain body experience of my life. In my explosion of grief, it dawned on me that Beth always sent me a gift on my birthday. And I hadn't’t been to my P.O. Box in over a week!!!
I hopped in my car, and sped off to my post office. I was not safe for me to be driving, as I was crying so hard I could barely see through the windshield.
Upon arriving, I lept out of my car and proceeded to immediately trip over the curb, falling to my knees. Determined to get up and make it to my box, I ignored the blood flowing from my elbow as a result of my chaotic fall. I also ignored the intense pain now emenating from my lower back. Not from my fall but from earlier in the day when I got the call from my sister saying “Beth’s been murdered. I’m so sorry Eric”. I threw my back out trying to pick up a bolted down newspaper stand. I guess my plan was to throw it across the street like the Hulk after becoming enraged! Not my finest moment.
Hunched over, I stumbled into my post office to my box. The lock was an old school dial lock. This means that I had to spin a tiny dial three times, perfectly landing on my chosen numbers to get it open.
It took me several minutes and about a dozen attempts to succeed. Nothing came easy that day.
When I finally got it open, all that was in there was a tiny piece of yellow paper that said I had a package.
I burst into the office holding the ticket above my head like a madman. I’m sure I was a sight to behold. Hunched over, eyes bloodshot from hours of crying, blood streaming down my elbow.
I proclaimed, I have a package!
The postman humanely took my ticket. He left for what felt like a lifetime. In hindsight, it was probably more like ten seconds.
“Here is your package Sir!”
Did he say anything else? I don’t remember cause I only cared about one thing. Who was the sender?
From:
Beth Lochtefeld
22 Grove Street
New York, NY 10014
How the hell did I just remember her address 19 years later when I can’t even remember what I had for dinner last night?
It was strangely shaped box. Unlike any I had ever received. It was skinny and quite tall. It barely weighed anything at all. It even had instructions to not turn it sideways.
Realizing it would be the last interaction I would ever have with the most impactful person in my life, I was terrified to open it.
I started driving away until I finally found the courage to pull over and open it.
What was Beth sending me from Heaven?
Life. She sent me life!
What does an orchid symbolize?
While orchids mean thoughtfulness, refinement, fertility, beauty, charm, and love, they're the perfect bloom to celebrate all of life's precious moments. With a wide array of colors to choose from, the orchid is nothing short of special.
So, now you know why I cherish orchids. I took these photos today. Enjoy!
