There are days when my job as Director of Random Acts of Flowers takes my breath away.  Today was one of those days.

This morning I was contacted by two members of our community, an editor and a physical therapist, both asking for help from Random Acts of Flowers.  A young woman who is losing her battle with cancer wants to marry her fiancé and time is running out.  We were asked to provide a bridal bouquet so that she could fulfill her wish to be a blushing bride.

With the help of Samuel Franklin Floral in Clinton and Jackie, the Floral Department Manager at a local Kroger, we were able to deliver a bouquet for the bride, a boutonnière for the groom, and a bouquet to help brighten her hospital room.  My heart goes out to her and her family during this difficult time and I am comforted to know that we could help lighten their burden.

Today I shed a tear for the wonderful mission that Random Acts of Flowers is able to fulfill in our community.  This is the story of one girl, of one family, a story that is sure to pull the heart strings of many, but there are countless patients and elderly residents in our community to whom we are able to give a moment of cheer in their time of need.  I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful charity!

At times like this it is important to remember that it is the support of our community that makes these efforts possible.  Financial donors, volunteers who give selflessly of their time, and business owners who share their trade.  Brides who donate the florals from their special day, families who donate flowers in memory of loved ones, and once again businesses in our community who give back.  Many thanks to the supporters who stand behind our mission!

Today Random Acts of Flowers completed a circle of giving.  Brides are one of our largest donors of flowers.  What a joy to be able to give to back to a bride!

Please know that stories like this are only possible because of your support.

– Sage Morgan, Director of Operations

UPDATE:

A family friend followed the Share Your Story link on our website to share the following message.

Arielle and her fiance, Derek, were married in a beautiful ceremony this past Sat. at the healing garden at UT medical. Your flowers were absolutley beautiful. I am very sad to tell you that Arielle passed away on Sunday morning at 11:45am. She is now a beautiful angel in Heaven. Thank you for assisting in a dream for their family.

And here is a letter from the bride’s mom.

My daughter, Arielle-26, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May. Her last wish was to be married. Her condition worsened and we hurriedly put together a wedding in 2 days flat on August 7th. I received a call from Random Acts of Flowers informing me that the bouquets would be taken care of. I cried because of the kindness and generosity of individuals to help make the wedding happen. She was a beautiful bride, we held the wedding ceremony in the garden and had a nice reception afterwards in the Dining Room. Arielle was so happy, a dream come true. She went to be with the Lord the next day. I just wanted to say Thank You for your ministry. It truly touched our hearts.

Our hearts go out to the family.  We were very pleased to have helped her realize her special day.

Join us for Art in the Garden – a benefit to support Random Acts of Flowers, for a special evening in Knoxville’s own Secret Garden to help make stories like this possible.

Friday August 20th