Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Grocery Store Flower Bouquet


--by treeflowerpuzzle, posted Aug 15, 2007

Many years ago, my husband and I were at a neighborhood grocery store with our two sons.  My elder son has Downs Syndrome and his baby brother was  also diagnosed with mild autism a few years later.

Right as we were passing the floral department, a lady who worked there, handed me a bouquet of flowers.  Unexpectedly.  "These are for you," she said.  "I've been looking for someone to give these to!"   She said she would tell the cashier at the checkout  that they were free.

The gesture brought tears to my eyes. 

My son with Downs Syndrome is now 12 years old and my "baby" is 8.  I draw on this kind incident to give me strength when people have given me rude and even verbally abusive comments, when my children have had problems being in public. 

Receiving those flowers has really made a deep impression on my life.  Thank you, to that kind lady in the floral department that day!

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Readers Comments

brighteyes wrote: TFP:
Thanks for sharing your story.
You know I read somewhere that children with DS & Autism are very special and highly sensitive and spiritual beings.
They have much to teach us all if we are open and aware.
It also takes very loving and patience parents to foster special needs children ..lots of stength and courage too. Kudo's to you & your family.
Ignore & forgive the negative comments and people....continue to concentrate and reflect on the positive experiences like the gift of flowers and compliment about the cuteness of your son. That is what life is all about...LOVE! and we are all growing and learning in this school called Earth...even different "grades" or awareness levels so forgive and more on....no one ever said life and lift lessons were easy. Your children are gifts from God! Enjoy them. My friends grandson has DS and he is the most loving, generous, happy person I have met...a big smile and hug for everyone!!!!!!!
Smiles from Brighteyes ;)
treeflowerpuzzle wrote: thank you for the kind words
Shriraj wrote: Good One
afriendlysmile wrote: Hi treeflowerpuzzle
Agree with all the sentiments so eloquently expressed by brighteyes.

There a poem called
"Heavens very special child"
which my friend got alot of comfort from, part of it goes like this:-

A meeting was held quite far from Earth
"It's time again for another Birth"
Said the Angels to the Lord above
This special child will need much love.

So let's be careful where he's sent
We want his life to be content;
Please Lord find the Parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realise right away
The leading role they're asked to play
So with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from Heaven
This special child so meek and mild
Is "Heaven's Very Special Child".

You are also very special parents.

Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story.

Lots of love and smiles.

Afriendlysmile :)

treeflowerpuzzle wrote: thanks so much for the kind comments
Samsonmybf wrote: Thanks for sharing your story!!
I work with a child with Down Syndrome, and he is the sweetest child. I look forward to his hugs everyday at school. He also has the best manners around! You are blessed !!!
treeflowerpuzzle wrote: thank you
Caratyzna wrote: My brother in law has downs. I can't people sometimes the things people say. I can handle it when it seems that they are just curious, but so many people act like they are going to 'catch' it from him or me. I'm glad you have a balance for all the meanness in the world.
kel wrote: i work with dowm syndrome and autism. its the best job i have ever had.its not work its enojoyment. these are real people and theres many more people out there that realise this and well the rest...! thank you. and what a wonderful mother!
KirstenKP wrote: That was really nice of that lady. That act of pure kindness would of made a deep impression on my life too!

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