Giraffe holds Gourd
A couple of years ago, our daughter Marianna, was with me in the garden and we stumbled across a gourd plant sprawling across the Camellia bushes. Hidden in the shrubs were several very large gourds which I had forgotten about planting the seeds in early summer. Seeing Marianna admiring this large unique gourd reminded us of experiences in her early years which neither will forget..
My once awkward giraffe has grown into a lovely, sophisticated, independent young woman.  That moment in the garden with the gourd brought those awkward days back with a chuckle. I teased “there is a giraffe in my garden!”, and  what once would have  embarrassed my tall, timid one now made her chuckle. Those awkward days made my giraffe so strong, so courageous. Those who saw a tall nerdy geek were those with no appreciation for the unique specimens in our gardens.
I am truly blessed to have this giraffe in my little garden.
blessings.
ML
You are very lucky. Many parents by now understand why some mammals eat their young at birth.