When I returned to the U.S. from the Matrimandir Gardens in March 1981
after nearly being killed during the troubles in Auroville, I had
$400.00 to my name. Mary Helen and Chali had gone before me as Mary
Helen was a too refined and gentle soul and did not wish to return to
Auroville. Having so little funds, a wife to support and a daughter
ready to enter the first year of high school, I began looking for work.
At that time the interest rate was 17 1/2 % so one couldn't purchase a
home and the amount offered me at various horticultural positions could
not begin to support a family. Yet, I felt Mother with me at every
moment and with a few weeks She opened all the doors to the future and I
had only to walk through!
[Photo
(right) - Psychological Perfection in Matter]
During my twelve years in the Matrimandir Gardens and Nursery I
had amassed a large collection of plumerias from all over the world.
The plumeria, 'Psychological Perfection' became my most beloved
flower, though when I am asked to name my favorite flower thee days,
it is usually the one that I am holding or looking at at that very
moment. Collecting trips throughout India, visits to many plumeria
gardens in Hawaii, and a very special visit to Sri Lanka where an
elderly lady, an artist who specialized in painting plumerias,
welcomed us to her home. One day she invited us to the home of a
friend who had an extensive plumeria collection. We arrived at his
palatial residence and he said, "Do take all the cuttings you would
like," a most generous offer from a truly kind man. His name was
Arthur C. Clarke!
Now back to my story. During the years of building the Matrimandir
Gardens Nursery the plumeria collection grew to 300 varieties and
became well known throughout the world. As my $400.00 dwindled down
even though staying with family, I received a letter from a lady I
had been corresponding with for years. She would write and ask all
about the techniques of propagating and growing plumerias. She had
recently founded the Plumeria Society of America and asked if I
would address the annual meeting. She offered to pay all expenses to
Houston, Texas and would give me a $500.00 honorarium. How could one
refuse? During m visit I has hosted by some of the wealthiest
families in Houston, in an area known as River Oaks. A lavish party
was arranged for me one evening during which a gentleman came up to
me and said, "I have a nursery that is foundering and if you would
like to take it over I will give you half the business and a car.
Would $3000,00 per month be satisfactory? Thus began my years in
Houston where Mother kept opening doors, blessing us in so many ways
I would be at a loss to describe them. Sri Aurobindo Presence was
with us, so calm, so intimate, so sweet and my immersion in Savitri
deepened.
