Flowers Sent Too Late Or Maybe Just In Time
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010
by Marijo Phelps
My closest friend wrote me a letter. Her teenage nephew has died suddenly, unexpectedly during an overseas trip. Her letter told me of his death and how she regretted the things she had never said to Ryan, things she thought but had never expressed to the person who needed to hear them most. Sort of like giving a corsage the day after the big dance, or perhaps even like sending flowers to a memorial service. The time was past and there was no going back.
My challenge to all of us is that we take time. Sit down, think of those in our lives who have impacted us, been there for us and helped us along life’s road. If this was that very last time to say something to them, what would you like to communicate?
Maybe you could go to the local book and stationary store to get a box of cards, you know, the encouragement and friendship kind? Just think of those you assume know how you feel. They just might not, you know.
Sit down, write that person a note and share your heart. That’s what writers do, isn’t it, how much more important to share those thoughts and encouragements with close friends and family members. Give them a blessing. Give them a verbal bouquet. Winter has been here long enough, it is time for flowers even if it is only at the tip of your pen.
Hey, you could also get the real thing to go with your written sentiments, flowers to brighten their day. Dedicate a poem or short story to them if you aren’t the kind who can tell it like it is. If you have a family member who is a “shut in" you could think about a box of cards that encourage. Sit, right now, and address the whole box. Write something special on each one, something you remember about them, some wisdom they may have shared, some character trait they modeled for you over the years and write the whole box to be mailed one a day for twelve days or however many cards there are in the box.
You have no idea how this could positively impact someone’s life. I will never forget the comments Paula made in her letter to me on the occasion of her nephew’s death. And to think that I might never have known what she felt and thought otherwise, if she hadn’t taken that time of reflection.
We can all think of someone who we appreciate. Today is the day to let them know just how much!
(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.
Marijo Phelps,saved by Jesus grace in 1974, from 9 years atheism into His loving arms. She is wanting to spread the good news about His redemptive plan for our lives through written media. Her name is pronounced Mary Jo. She was an RN for 23+ years, missionary with YWAM,statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ 9 years. Her first poem published when she was four years old. (her mom had much to do with that!) She has been writing ever since.
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
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More commentsWow, you sound just like my Mother, people should take a moment and sit back and think what is really important in life. Well said. :)Welcome to Searchwarp Jennifer! thanks for taking time and reading this and your kind comments.
good adviceWelcome to Searchwarp Jash - thanks for your comments.
Marijo, this is a beautiful article! I think you're right, we often don't tell people enough that we love them - or even just like them! We should the generous feelings we have.Thank you for reading this and your encouraging comments!
It seems we always take for granted our loved ones will always be around or we assume they know how we feel. Marijo, I love how the tenderness of the woman I know you are shines in these simple, yet powerful words. I am praying for your friends' loss - and just so you know, I love you, appreciate you and I have learned so much from you! One of these days - reunion - this side of heaven!Yahoo, can't wait! This took place a number of years back but Ryan has a fraternal twin and she is soon getting married so I imagine it will be a time of remembering him again - he was an exchange student and died from an intestinal thing he picked up....so sad
Good article. Always a good reminder.Thank you for coming by Andrew - appreciate your reading and commenting.
Marijo, thanks for sharing this story. I believe if someone is on your heart and mind, God placed them there...find out why. Even if it is just to let someone know you love them or ask how their day was. Good article.I totally agree - wrote to all our little Compassion kids today because of that! Thanks for your wonderful encouragement as usual!
So true Marijo! The worse part would be never knowing if they knew how you felt! Great advice! I need to get writing!I wrote that to remind myself! Thanks Laura!
My wife is about to have a baby and I have definitely reflected on what my friends, wife and children mean to me. As we speak she is sitting next to me going through labor pains (she is due on monday) and I marvel at her strength. I am truly blessed by God with a wonderful familyCongrats Daddy! Welcome to Searchwarp and give your wife a hug for me when her labor is over!
Very moving article, written with passion and from the heart. Hopefully we can all take something from this. Appreciate those around us.thanks for reading and your encouragement Stephen!
So right you are, Marijo. I had a good friend that died on Flight 800; way back, years ago we started out as coworkers, nothing more. She was always trying to "yank my chain" and it didn't go over very well. She didn't realize that I had just started divorce proceedings and was in a sensitive state. I finally realized what she was doing and decided I wouldn't let her get to me anymore. We became good friends and she later helped me out with a lot of TLC in a difficult time. One day I decided on impulse to buy her a rose bush called Angel Face and dropped it off with a short thank you. She wasn't home at the time but I knew she'd see it. Well, she was speechless (and she NEVER was at a loss for words!). A year or 2 after was the fatal crash; I had said good-bye to her at work but for some reason I felt compelled to call her again that evening. I am so glad I did because the next day...So you never really know when the last time is that you will speak to someone. We have a statue of an angel on our high school grounds honoring the people who died; I can't help but feel I was guided to buy the Angel Face rose for her. God works in mysterious ways! TerriHE does lead and guide us if we have ears to hear - thanks for sharing your heart and your kind comments!
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