The beloved plum flower has long symbolized resilience and perseverance, as it is among the first trees to open the rich purple hues of its petals in the barren winter. There is life in vasculature and branches. The flow of blood and of sap continues season after season, year after year. Flowers wilt; we wilt. Winter and hardship will arrive, but so guarantees the return of the first purple bloom.
Tracy Du is an MS3 at the Perelman School of Medicine.
