What is really important in life?

The golden shower orchids in my wife’s garden are particularly lovely. In the evening with the late sun gleaming, they cascade in beauty on the old tree boughs. They lift the spirit every time they flourish.

Years ago, when they wondrously appeared in rich profusion, I wrote an essay mentioning them which is truer than ever for me as I have got older and the world has got heavier. This is the essay.