I planted the vine in the summer of 2000 and the husband and I have enjoyed its blooms every sping since. Wrapping around the mailbox with an abundance of color, I imagine the flowers wishing us a good day in the mornings as we leave and a welcome home upon our return.

I experience a sadness when I see the climatis in bloom as well. I image that the vine will out last my presence here. There may come a time when I move, or even die. That sounds much more morbid than I intend it to. What I mean to say is I wonder what the next homeowners will think of the plant? I like to think they’ll enjoy it as much as we have.

But people have different tastes, and we all like to fiddle with out surroundings. And the truth is, nothing lasts forever.