Flowers Make Everything Better

Thank you to everyone who sent healing thoughts and well wishes to the Divine Ms. M.  I'm sad to report that she has suffered a fairly significant stroke.  The last few days have been a bit of blur, with long days spent at the hospital and trying to second guess what will come next for a woman who has lived such a full and very independent life up until now.

While I was at the hospital yesterday, Mr. Tide held down the fort and was sweet enough to take some pictures for me to use in a post.  I was reminded of how wonderful it is to have thoughtful and loving people around you in good times and bad, and Mr. Tide and my children have certainly seen me through the highs and lows life has to offer.

As we sat helplessly in the hospital waiting room to hear the test results for our dear friend, I was also reminded that sometimes family isn't who you are related to by blood, but they can also be those who are closest to us and who have shared so much with us over the years.

Ms. M is so very fortunate to have the love of so many.  Like her very dear friend and fellow florist Doug Vogel, who upon hearing the news of Ms. M's fall and subsequent stroke, rushed to be by her side.  And who spent the entire day with her at the hospital today and brought her a beautiful floral arrangement to lift her spirits.

I am fortunate beyond measure too with close friends who will come to my aide on a moments notice.  Like today, when I called my friend "J" and asked her to meet me for lunch so that I could have a shoulder to lean on after an emotional few days.  Without hesitation she said yes, and gave me the strength and support to face the tough days that still lie ahead.

Sometimes devastating events bring out the best in people.  You find out who your friends are, and who you can count on.  It's too bad that we can't just reach out to one another in good times and embrace one another under the best of circumstances and not just when life is going badly.

The mind is a very resilient organ, and it can also be our greatest enemy.  I hope that the enemy will eventually become the ally as Ms. M struggles to regain everything she has lost over the last few days.

But although she has lost some things over these last few days, there are other things she has gained.  Most importantly she has realized that no matter what the distance, or how many years have elapsed, some bonds can never be broken, and for that I know she is truly grateful.  

Flowers have always brought her happiness, been her escape, and I can only hope that she will once again be able to use flowers as a means to make everything better.