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In the Time of the Myrtle Trees

March 22, 2025 by Veronica Jorge in category Write From the Heart by Veronica Jorge tagged as achievement, Dedication, Queen Hester, vision, Women's History Month

For centuries and throughout the entire world women have made valuable contributions in the arts, sciences, culture, academics, politics, the armed forces, etc. Too many women and too many areas to name without slighting any one person, field or region. Every March during Women’s History Month we commemorate their achievements.

This year I couldn’t help notice that March also heralded the festival of Purim and the Persian Queen Esther’s victory. Her Jewish name was Hadassah which in Hebrew means myrtle tree.

An evergreen with aromatic blossoms, the myrtle tree is versatile, adaptable, and tolerates dry spells. In addition, the myrtle tree prospers in a wide variety of soil types. And it not only withstands diverse environmental conditions, the myrtle tree actually flourishes in them.

Just like the women we celebrate!

Against all odds and obstacles, they pursued seemingly unattainable goals and championed life-changing causes. By stepping out in courage, despite every impediment, they succeeded and excelled, making the world a better place for all of us.

Which brings me back to Queen Esther. The Biblical story recounts that when a plot to destroy her people was discovered, Esther was faced with the choice to remain silent and probably safe in her position as queen, or go before the king and appeal to him for the lives of the people. Yet, to go before the king unsummoned meant certain death. Mordecai, the cousin who raised her because she had lost her parents, was asking her to risk her life; to consider that perhaps she had been made queen for just “such a time as this.”

I consider my own life in the mirror of all of these women who have gone before me, who by their vision, dedication, and hard work paved the way for so many. I can let their sacrifices fall by the wayside as just a memory. Or I can forge ahead to lengthen and widen the path that they began.

I ask myself. What will my achievement and contribution be? For what purpose was I planted in this time and place?

To be, I hope, like these formidable women; versatile, withstanding challenges, thriving in all circumstances. To be, in this world, one more flourishing myrtle tree.

Veronica Jorge

See you next time on April 22nd!