One of our staff members told us this heart-warming story:
Recently we had the pleasure of meeting a widow named Mrs. Jeanie* who came to GraceWorks for groceries on her 84th birthday.
Our volunteers were eager to make her feel celebrated on her special day: “Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jeanie! What’s your favorite cake flavor? What about your favorite flower?”
She was excited to say, “Chocolate, of course! And I just love Calla Lilies.”
After setting aside a chocolate cake with her food cart, we pulled up a picture of a Calla Lilly online and stared at what remained of our flower selection for the day.
I had never seen one like it come through our pantry: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this specific flower get donated . . . wait, what’s that?”
A volunteer lifted up a bouquet that looked exactly like the picture, the only one of its kind in our selection.
By the time Mrs. Jeanie left GraceWorks, she had a chocolate cake, a fiery-orange bouquet of Calla Lilies, and a big grin on her face. She also sported a new pin on her shirt that read “It’s my birthday!”
We love finding ways to celebrate and connect with our Neighbors, particularly those who don’t have family to share milestones with.
*Name changed for privacy