A Life in Flowers

I had a heartbreaking call last week from a former Bride. “Is this Haley? I need to order some funeral flowers”.  A call I receive many times a week, but sometimes it just hits harder than others, and this was one of those times. “I am so sorry to hear that. Who did you lose?” I said. I knew immediately when she paused that this was not for her Grandfather or Mother, as you may expect at her age. My heart sank as I braced myself.

“I lost my husband,” she replied through tears. My head started spinning.

One of the things that always attracted me to floristry was the privilege of taking part in someone's life journey. Flowers mark most of our special or sad occasions. I’ve always felt there is a romance to peaking inside someone’s life each day I come to work. Birth, graduation, apologies, dating, marriage, illness, anniversaries and death.

What most of you don’t realise is that I remember it all and store it away in my heart for you. After the call ended with my former Bride, I started reliving it all. Their wedding and its bright, bold colors. How she wanted to honor her Mom with a special corsage.  When their dog Murray passed prematurely. How excited and proud he was to buy her flowers for her first teaching job. When Indy was a puppy, and licked his feet. “I am so sorry!” I said in embarrassment. He replied, “Don’t stop him, it’s the best feeling in the world to me.” We both laughed.  When their first child was born, and now this. All those moments get poured back in my work. Over and over again.

We weren’t friends. Just a casual chat when either of them needed flowers. Yet I find myself in my office shedding tears for a life cut too short.

I wanted to share this story with you to thank all of you who let Charmed into your life. You mean more to us than you realize and it is an honor taking part in your journey.