Going Deeper Than a Hallmark Moment

Local Spotlight and Standout:

Floral Creations by Eileen. There's an incredible offering at the end of this article that will change your life! Don’t let this pass you by…

L'amour la vie, pas la mort
"Love in life, not in death"

Many years ago I heard a sermon from my pastor in Oak Creek, Jerry Brooks that impacted me more than I could ever imagine. Based on a poem by an undetermined author, it was called “Flowers for the living…” Meaning, don’t wait to let someone know that they have made an impact on your life, let them know while they are still here. 

Of course, Hallmark has made it very easy for us to celebrate many holidays, penciling dates on the calendar to deliver our favorite flowers and roses with barely a thought. But it starts to feel very trite at times, doesn’t it? My pastor challenged us to think about what our own funeral would be like now, and what others might say or only feel. He added that we should live our lives blessing others, telling them what needs to be said today, not only when those we love have passed.

While some fall into the habit of buying flowers as a formula, not a deep emotion, remember it’s the random, unexpected moments that make someone feel treasured. 

This was a dynamic message for me as a young teenager as I pictured myself having passed on at my own funeral and wondering what people would be thinking – of course, hoping that I had left a positive, long lasting impression on others. But also, Did I let everyone know how I felt about them while there was still time? What can we do today to let someone know what a blessing they are to us? These are natural questions for someone thinking about this for the first time.

Randy Marvin is the owner and operator of Prospect Heights in Racine, WI. His facility provides a home and treatment for the severely mentally disabled. Upon hearing about my story, he wanted to participate in this loving exercise. He decided that he wanted to give each resident who lives at Prospect a rose to symbolize his or her value. 50 roses were purchased on 6.20.13 from Floral Creations by Eileen, and given to each resident of Prospect Heights.

The residents gathered for their normal dinner hour and did not know what was in store for them.  Randy and staff had put together some meaningful notes for each resident and tied each one with handwritten names to every rose.  As they sat down the flowers were handed out one by one. 

As you could expect of a facility like this, reactions from the residents were quite varied. Some just sat there, smiling… while they might not have said anything you could tell something was happening inside as they thought about it. One resident remarked that this was the very first time she had ever gotten flowers in her entire life. And of course, there are always a couple of humorous stories with these dear people. One such moment was when a woman was just relieved it was over, and said “instead of a rose, I’d rather have a cheeseburger!” Perhaps they can have Cheeseburgers for the Living next week. But all in all, Randy and the staff were very happy with the event, and appreciated the opportunity to give some their first experience with random acts of kindness and love.

Petalling Love

Floral Creations By Eileen is a shop in Caledonia that has been around since May of 2007. Eileen has been in the industry for over 20 years and continues to impress the community with her style and passion for design. Her heart for what she does and who she serves comes through as she continues to give back to others and communicates that through her dedicated work.

***Local Deal This Week for Patch Readers***

When Eileen was approached with the idea of giving flowers for the living she wanted to extend an offer to Patch readers, their family and friends:

BUY A ROSE, GET A ROSE… NO LIMIT!!! (While supplies last, of course.) All you need to do is say “ROSE PATCH” to redeem your offer! (5200 Douglas Ave, Racine, WI 53402 262-681-2001)

That’s right, From June 24th through July 1st Floral Creations is offering a free rose for every rose purchased to those who say “ROSE PATCH.”

Why wait for the next holiday or special occasion to let others know how much we appreciate them? Assure yourself a life of less regrets… In a world where many focus on negativity and sadness, we have an opportunity to turn the tide and spread some petals. Please show your love and appreciation to those around you this week… It's time to touch some lives today! 

I would rather have a little rose from the garden of a friend,
Than flowers strewn around my casket when my days on earth must end.
I would rather have a living smile from one I know is true,
Than tears shed `round my casket when this world I bid adieu.
Bring me all the flowers today whether pink or white or red,
I would rather have one blossom now than a truckload when I`m dead.

   - Author Unknown

____________________________________________

Kate Dickinson is an author of several children's books, and has had a career in nursing and patient care for 10 years. She hosts a blog with daily fashion tips, quips and other posts about music, events and other fun stories. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and of course her website. Stay in touch!