aloe vera: healing memories or modern decor?

Every time I touch the thick, cool leaves of my aloe vera, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s porch in Oklahoma. She’d snap off a leaf to soothe my scraped knees, her gentle hands a comfort that no store-bought cream could match. These days, I see younger folks placing aloe vera in sleek glass pots, more for Instagram than for healing. Sometimes I wonder—have we lost the true meaning of these plants? In my neighborhood, there’s a debate brewing. Some say aloe belongs outside, toughing out the Texas sun like it always has. Others insist it’s a houseplant now, part of a minimalist living room. I’ve even heard complaints at our HOA meeting: "Too many potted plants on balconies! It looks messy." But when a heatwave hits, and my neighbor’s fancy succulents shrivel, my old aloe thrives. It’s a survivor, just like us. Maybe it’s time we remember why our families grew these plants—not just for looks, but for healing, for sharing, for memories. Do you keep aloe for tradition, or for trend? Let’s talk about it. #AloeVera #FamilyTradition #PlantDebate #Gardening