Hugs and Flowers
by Ruth Ann Harnisch on 02/25/10 at 6:53 pm
Day 56
If you enjoyed “patting yourself on the back” and “giving yourself a kiss” yesterday, here’s another do-it-yourself gesture via my sister Carol. “Put your right hand on your left shoulder. Put your left hand on your right shoulder. Now give yourself a big hug!” She actually said “give yourself a big hug from me,” which I did with joy. And now I not only know how to give long-distance hugs to others, I can give my own self a big hug when I need one.
Last night my friend Richard gave me an idea that resonated deeply with me. When his mother’s memory began slipping, he started sending her flowers on a regular basis “with love from your son Richard.” When she could no longer recognize him, the words “it’s your son, Richard” allowed her to connect the stranger in front of her to the lovely blooms that arrived so often. “Oh, yes, my son, Richard, who sent me these flowers.”
I sent a bouquet this morning to a loved one who does not always recognize me. I wonder, who else in my life needs to receive a concrete reminder of our relationship?
3 Comments
Steve Varon
Feb 25th, 2010
Your so right on. We pledged to sponsor fellows last note at dinner with tom really looking forward to possibilities
Cyn Liggett
Feb 25th, 2010
I did, and I loved it – as well as today's hug! I don't know who might 'need' it from me, yet I can think of several people I'd love to remind, for my sake! LOL as ever, a bastion of inspiration you are. kinda like the Johnette Appleseed of provacateur in life ain'tcha? LOL
@CarolynRodi
Feb 26th, 2010
Ruth, this is a wonderful idea. (Sending flowers, or something visual, to loved ones who may not always recognize us.) In our fast-paced-what’s-new-now culture, we all need reminders. Even the best of us do.
Fantastic post as usual, Ruth.
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