For the Love of Flowers

Whenever feelings of sadness or fear rise in my heart, a quick anecdote is a bouquet of flowers

Recently, when I found out that a family member's cancer had come back, my first reaction was a mixture of dread, sadness, and worry. Quickly, I realized there was nothing I could do about a medical determination.  What is in my power is being a source of love and support to the person in the midst of pain and sorrow.

Ordering flowers from a flower shop can be an expensive proposition. A local supermarket, however, has a fabulous array of flowers at very affordable prices. In a conversation with the woman who works in that department, I explained that my loved one was very ill and that the flowers were for her. This family member had her own flower garden for years and grew a variety of lovely flowers. 

"Could you put together an arrangement of colorful spring flowers?," I asked her, fighting back tears. Within a few hours, the bouquet was done and ready to be picked up. A variety of flowers, all in beautiful colors, had been set in a vase and tied with a cheery pink ribbon. The florist had done an outstanding job with the bouquet and the price was about half what I would have paid in a standard floral shop.

The bouquet contained yellow carnations and lilies, pink and white roses, lavender mums, and a deep cranberry colored flower, among many others.  A pink ribbon adorned the glass vase.

My dear one loved the bouquet. Everyone who sees it exclaims how regal it is.

No one knows what the future holds for any of us, sick or well. We have just moments and those must be appreciated and savored. Each moment holds special gifts, like flowers, and enjoying their colors, fragrance, and variety is part of the magnificence of life. One last thought is that it's good to remind ourselves how fleeting, precious, and transitory this life on earth actually is.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR YOURSELF WHEN YOU ARE FEELING SAD?