Springtime: a season of renewal
My mother, Becky Jones, was famous for her words of wisdom, platitudes, and random
offbeat thoughts, which were affectionately known as “Beckyisms.”
We, her children and eventually grandchildren, often went to her in difficult times, because we learned that her suggestions were usually “spot on.” As a young consultant, my sister found herself in a challenging client situation on an out-of-town assignment, so she called Mom looking for a little comfort. My mother didn’t “do comfort” very well. Instead she offered some advice. “Honey, just go buy a plant. You’ll feel a lot better.”
Now this was in the ‘70s, way before topics like “gardening therapy” were in vogue. And although skeptical, my sister did as she was told. She found the name of a nearby florist in the yellow pages and walked over during her lunch hour to buy a plant. She brought it back and put it on her desk.
To my sister’s surprise, my mother’s advice changed things at work. People would linger by her cubicle to admire the plant and ask her questions about it. Questions turned into conversations and the client staff became much friendlier. It was if my sister stopped being the dreaded consultant, and suddenly became human.
Having that memory in mind, my ears perked up when my friend Lori told me about a non-profit organization called Random Acts of Flowers. When I called the organization to find out more about their work, the Executive Director, Joanie Bayhack, suggested I go on a delivery run.
So last Wednesday I arrived at Whitehall Nursing Home and was amazed to find over 100 artfully assembled bouquets, arranged using recycled and repurposed fresh flowers. I was immediately put to work knocking on doors and bringing in fresh bouquets to people who were recovering from surgery or who were permanently infirmed. As I entered each room, I reminded myself to be available to the experience; to not rush in and out but to take a moment to connect to each person.
While everyone was delighted and surprised, there was one particularly memorable delivery.
It was to a gentleman who appeared to be entering the final stages of his life. While clearly ill he was sitting upright in a pressed shirt and clean pants. He reminded me of my Dad who, despite his pain and difficultly, asked to be smartly dressed each day.
After his initial surprise in seeing the arrangement, the gentleman settled into a moment of pure joy. Seeing his deep appreciation for this gift, I remained still to allow him time to admire the flowers on his table. During that moment I experienced such a sense of grace. Both of us were the recipients of that beautiful arrangement which had been lovingly prepared by volunteers, whom neither of us would meet.
We were connected through a beautiful and powerful spirit that filled the room. I was reminded to not only give, but to receive.
Author’s note–
To learn more about Random Acts Flowers, please visit them at http://randomactsofflowers.org. They accept time, flowers and for all of you, who are doing some spring cleaning, used vases!
Zen Moment
Definition of Grace:
“unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification”
