Friday, July 23, 2010

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.

20 comments:

  1. flowers do indeed have a wonderful power all on their own...my thoughts are with all of you...

    a true friend is a brother born for when there is distress!

    ciao bella
    creative carmelina

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  2. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

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  3. What lovely thoughts on friendship - and what good friends you and yours are to Ms M and to one another.
    Blessings.....

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  4. I have some experience here, and all is not lost, the will to fight back is so important - and time, and loving support.

    Flowers are Ms M's language, and they will help her.

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  5. Oh Kat,I am so sorry to hear the news about
    Ms.M. As Tricia Rose said, "all is not lost" and
    it is amazing what love and strength can do. Let's expect a miracle. She is surrounded with all of your love and that will give her strength.
    We will all continue to hold her in our hearts and thoughts. Your thoughts on frienship are beautiful and very true. Your love will give her strength and the flowers will give her comfort.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear this news, Kat...I so hope that she will recuperate quickly. My prayers are with her and all of you as she rests and heals. It's so sweet that your family helps you~ what a good guy to take pictures for you! Take care of yourself and get some rest... XO

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  7. Your dear Ms. M is blessed to have such 'family' of friends to be with her at such a challending and stressful time. You are also blessed, my friend, with a family who supports you, and loves you ... and a network of friends to take up the slack. I am very proud of you for what you are doing. You get TWO hugs the next time I see you.
    Connie

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  8. Hi, I am sorry to hear about your friend Ms. M. I will pray for you and her. I'm glad to hear you have a strong circle of support right now.
    My prayers and thoughts are with Ms. M and you.
    The Swedish Room

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  9. Kat I'm so sorry to hear of Ms. M suffering a stroke. Sending positive thoughts for healing and saying prayers for all of you in the days ahead. Take care of yourself too sweetie. Hugs, ~Lili

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  10. I will say a little prayer for Mrs. M.

    The flower images are beautiful.

    -Rene

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  11. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and Ms. M. Your post reminds me of a poem about how family ties are sometimes not born through blood relation but for love born from our heart. It is so wonderful for you and Ms. M. to have a wonderful circle of support, friendship and love during these difficult days.

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  12. Kat,
    What beautiful flowers you have posted here...I'm praying that your friend will get better soon...she is so lucky to have a dear friend like you.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  13. Mr Tide outdid himself with the beautiful flowers. Such a sad and difficult time for Ms M. The next month or so will show how much recovery she will make, and it can be quite significant. Will she be able to go to a rehab centre for intensive therapy? My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ms M for healing.

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  14. Kat...such beautiful, hopeful and strong words. Sending you strength and grace. Thank you for your thought and prayers...they were so felt.

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  15. I am so sorry that your freind is ill. She is very fortunate to have such a caring friend as you. Certainly many prayers will be sent for her recovery.

    The flower photos are out of this world~~~

    vicki

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  16. You are a rose in Ms. M's garden, Kat. I'm sorry to hear of your good friend's struggle... I know from my father's stroke years ago that tremendous recovery is very possible. One day at a time.

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  17. Kat, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she will recover well from it. My sister's mother in law had a stroke a few years ago and gradually got better, but not the same as she was before. Probably a very long road ahead. I will send good thoughts her way.

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  18. Kat, so sorry about your friend, Ms. M! She is in my prayers! Mr. Tide took some very beautiful flower pictures for you!

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  19. The one thing I've learned recently is that there really can be lemonade even from the sourest of lemons...I'm sure you understand what I'm saying. Your friend is certainly in my prayers. The flowers are lovely.

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  20. What a wonderful post. I'm so sorry for your friend and my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful for good friends.

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