of my sunflower when the time was right, and then I
was ready to carry on my mission and promise to
Bryce.
One year later, on 25th September 2013, I planted
over 50 seeds from my original sunflower. After a
few weeks I was ready to pass this gift, a sunflower
seedling, onto others. As Bryce did, I gave them the
opportunity to experience the joy of growing and
caring for this plant. Sometimes the small things in
life can bring you the most joy.
The 22nd generation of sunflower seedlings
were given to people in many different walks of life –
such as a graphic designer, a publisher, a doctor, an
accountant, a lawyer, a hairdresser, an employee at
the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, authors,
spiritual healers, a book reviewer and her dog, a
teacher and a librarian and many more people of
various ages. Some of the places the sunflower
seedlings were distributed to were bookshops, a dance
school, plant nurseries, a library, a chocolate shop,
and a relaxation and healing shop.
As I distributed these plants I could relate to how
Bryce must have felt. The lesson I had learnt from
this experience was that sometimes giving is
more special than receiving. The joy on people's faces
when I passed the sunflowers on was priceless. This
was the feedback some people gave me when I handed
them the plants: „I feel blessed‟ – „I feel privileged‟ – „I
want to carry on the tradition.‟
What a rewarding experience it is to be involved in
Bryce Courtenay‟s sunflower legacy. Again this year I
distributed the 23rd generation of sunflowers. People
who received the 22nd generation planted their seeds
and also continued the tradition.
I keep smiling all the time as people continue to
share their photos of the progress of the 23rd generation
of Sunflower seedlings with me. I can see the joy
people are receiving from growing and caring for the
Bryce Courtenay sunflower seeds. From the bottom of
my heart, thank you so much to all the people involved
in this story and also to others who keep sharing their
news about the Sunflower legacy. It is a story that is
close to my heart in many ways. I am SO proud of
everyone. One sunflower can bring so much joy to so
many. May Bryce Courtenay's Sunflower legacy
continue. I will keep “spreading sunshine and
inspiration.”
For further information please visit:
www.julietmsampson.com