My Christmas cactus

I hesitate to post a picture of my Christmas cactus, because it probably needs help. If you green thumbs out there have any suggestions, feel free.

But I'll be brave and post a picture of it anyway, because every time I look at it, my heart is warmed.

Two years ago, the week after my sister Janet died, my dear friend Karen Stoner, gave me this Christmas cactus at school. I thought, "Oh, no. A plant. Every house plant I ever have ends up dying. Then she'll think I didn't appreciate it enough to take care of it properly."

But I have kept it in my classroom at school. Occasionally I remember to water it. Many, many times it gets knocked over and the dirt comes out, and I try to scoop most of it up and put it back into the pot.

I was absolutely amazed last year at this time to see pink blossoms. I think there were two or three that bloomed. Now I'm even more amazed that the second year in a row it is blooming again!! This time there are at least four, and I think there will be more.

I am going to name it Janet. It is obviously hardy, able to handle hard knocks, dry seasons, too much sun, dark times, summer's heat, and the extreme chill of winter weekends when the heat is turned very low. And most of all, it is beautiful! Yes, I am naming it Janet.