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NOOK CHRONICLES

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On the Receiving End

 

When one is in the business of running a flower shop, one gets used to being in the role of ‘joy facilitator’. Allow me to explain. Folks from all walks of life come into the store or call in to place their orders with the intention of doing something nice for someone else. It’s my job to see this to fruition and that brings its own gratification for me - vicarious, but gratifying nonetheless.

 

Family and friends have long learnt not to send me flowers ... for obvious reasons. Which is why this incident, a few days ago, left such an indelible impression on me.

 

A loved one has been seriously ill for the past few months and had to undergo a major surgery. As his primary caregiver, this has taken its toll on me. As much as I try not to let it show, there are days when things get the better of me (enough for perceptive regulars to notice).

 

So, one day, I was in the store, but my ‘Closed for Business’ sign was up. Suddenly, a loud knocking sound on the glass pane of the door made me look up. It was one of my regular customers with a very serious expression on his face. I motioned that we were closed, but he insisted that I open. Realising that this gentleman can be adamant (and fussy based on my previous dealings) I opened the door to serve him.

 

He took his time picking his choice of blooms and made me package them separately. I carried these tasks out quietly. Then, when he was satisfied, he paid me.

 

Just before he left, he said, “Can you do me a favour?” I nodded. Secretly, I was hoping it was not to ask me to do something that would keep me in the store much longer.

 

“I know someone close to you is sick. Can you take these flowers to him when you go to hospital and tell him that I am praying for his health?”

 

I was not prepared for this sort of kindness from this gruff man.

 

I burst into tears.

 

Obviously, he was not prepared for this kind of reaction and he said goodbye in a rush and left.

 

Later in the day, when I shared this story with a friend, he smiled brightly and said, “Isn’t it horrible when horrible people do nice things?”

 

To me, it was more than nice. It brought me joy and this time it wasn’t vicarious.

 

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Brenda James is a 'florista' who runs 'Nook Flowers'. To view some of her beautiful creations, please visit her website at www.nookflowers.com.  You can also the "Nook Flowers' fan page Facebook.

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