Questions for Discussion
- The theme of this story is forgiveness. Do you find it hard to forgive
someone from your past? How have you handled this?
- Callie has a sweet spirit and an outgoing nature that charms people. But
Tomas was hard to charm. Do you think she was being vain in wondering why he
didn’t like her? Did she handle things in a good way?
- Tomas had a lot of bitterness to deal with. Have you ever felt this way? Do
you tend to hold things inside or open up and let go?
- In spite of his chaotic childhood, Tomas had a love of art and beauty. Do
you think this is why he was so attracted to Callie? How did getting to know
her help him to slowly change?
- Callie’s attitude was one of faith and hope. Tomas had an attitude of doubt
and despair. Even with all his money, he couldn’t be positive. Have you ever
felt this way in spite of being blessed? Do you sometimes doubt your
faith?
- Callie loved the outdoor world and growing things. But she was also sick and
had to stay inside. How do you think this changed her attitude? How did her
faith help her?
- Tomas had lost his wife to addiction and pain. Is this why he was afraid to
love Callie? Or did he just have a distrust of faith?
- Tomas told Callie he’d stayed by his wife until the end. Why was it so
important that she understand this about him?
- Callie didn’t want to be a burden or obligation to her family or Tomas. Why
did she try to hide her illness from him? Why did he fight to save her, and
how did that fight change him?
- The Blanchard family was very close and very strong in faith. Tomas had no
one and his faith was shaky at best. Have you ever invited someone like that
into your family?
- Callie’s sisters rallied around her to help her get well. Do you know people
who’d do the same for you? Have you ever dealt with a health crisis?
- Tomas had to learn to trust everyone around him. How did Callie help him do
this? Why did she insist he go to his father and forgive him?
- Gardening is a pleasant and comforting pastime for many. Why is it so true
that we are closer to God in a garden?
- Callie found solitude in her work and with her dog, Elvis. Together, the two
gave her a sense of security. How did Tomas mess with that? Why did she
resist him at first?
- Tomas fell for Callie when he saw her dancing in the rain. But he had to get
to know her before he could act on his feelings. Why is it important that we
get to know people before we judge them, good or bad? Have you ever
misjudged someone based on first impressions?