Posted on 02/14/2022 4:08:22 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
The pandemic has inspired many people to make big life changes.
For Ashley Manning of Charlotte, North Carolina, COVID-19 was an opportunity to leave her job in pharmaceutical sales to become a stay-at-home mom. She even used her extra time at home to launch a small business, “Pretty Things by A.E. Manning.”
The self-taught florist has always loved working with flowers and seeing the joy they bring to their recipients. She hoped to make just enough money to justify a babysitter while she worked, but the business turned out to be a bigger hit than she imagined.
For years, she made flower arrangements for her kids’ teachers during tough times. After giving one bouquet to a teacher who’d recently lost her husband, Ashley was moved to tears.
The teacher admitted that Valentine’s Day is “the hardest holiday” for her. “When you’re 53 and you’ve been with someone for 33 years, your future goes black,” she explained. “We had plans to travel, take dance lessons, retire… he was my rock. It was hard being that young and losing him, so to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day was so special.”
Seeing her reaction sparked an idea for Ashley. Thinking of other lonely widows who wouldn’t get a gift on Valentine’s Day, she made a post on Instagram asking people to nominate widows to receive a free bouquet on the holiday. The nominations came pouring in!
Ashley recruited a few dozen volunteers and found corporate sponsors to donate items like wine and jewelry to fill gift bags. Together, they were able to deliver flowers and gift bags to 120 widows in their area!
One widow who received a gift delivery from Ashley and her kids burst into tears when she saw the flowers. Ashley’s children were moved by the woman’s reaction, and as they headed home, they all felt joyful for being able to bring some light into a stranger’s world.
“As we were walking away, my first-grader Mia said, ‘Mom, is this why you do stuff like this? Because of how you feel good?'” Ashley said. “She was really happy, and now I feel really good. My daughter realized that day the real gift is the actual joy you get from each other.”
In 2022, Ashley’s Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach doubled in size. They received more than 400 widow nominations, and over 150 people volunteered to make gift baskets and arrangements. The final cost is about $14,000, most of which was donated.
“This is a really beautiful way to celebrate love on this day to the people in our community,” Ashley said. “I just think that that is a population that’s sometimes forgotten.”
Ashley believes it’s her responsibility as a parent to demonstrate kindness to others.
“It’s our job to show our kids how to be human,” she said. “And if we all were just a little bit more selfless and thought a little more about other people, I think this would be a whole different world.”
Occasionally I need to be reminded that there are still nice and loving people on this planet.
Me, too! :)
Taking care of widows and fatherless children is one of the great virtues listed multiple times in the bible.
As a side note: When I was in a band, for some years we followed a tradition we called “valenslimes” - we would buy a number of trinkets like those small boxes of candy (all EXACTLY the same, of course!) and distribute them to our punk rock female fans. They loved it! (And let’s face it - if any of these chicks are still alive, they’re all widows by now!)
This my wedding anniversary.
The first in 37 years without my wife.
I could use some flowers.
So inspirational. Great post!
Valentines Day can be very lonely.
‘“It’s our job to show our kids how to be human,” she said. “And if we all were just a little bit more selfless and thought a little more about other people, I think this would be a whole different world.”’
A great statement! With indulged kids with their own cell phones and other trappings, learning to be more selfless would balance out the indulgence a bit.
Your post hit home. My husband and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary in a month, and tonight he has to be out of town for mandatory training at his company’s HQ.
Here are some flowers for you, though I know they are a poor substitute. 💐🌹🌷💐🌹🌷
This first year will be hard, with a lot of 'firsts.' Don't hesitate to reach out to your FR Family! :)
My brother-inlaw lost my sister recently after 50 years. Watching him, I know how you feel. Hugs and prayers.
This is really nice! I sent my sister-in-law a Valentine’s card, and she got it today. It’s her first one without my brother. They were married for 49 years. Still gets me. It’s been almost 6 months without him. Devastating to all of us, but her especially.
My heart goes out to you, Lurkin. The love you have for your wife comes through very clearly in your post. I just said a prayer for your comfort and thanks for 37 years. Wish I could do more.
Hang on there brother.
The pain eases a bit with time. The first two years are rough. Can’t sugarcoat it.
I lost my wife six years ago come April. She passed away on our anniversary of all days.
Now I can joke that she did it on purpose so I wouldn’t forget our anniversary.
Don’t let anyone fool you...Real Men DO cry. From time to time, if you feel the need, grab a towel and cry your eyes out. God gave us that emotional release mechanism. Use it. He understands.
How very sweet. Thanks for this.
Happy Anniversary. I can’t image what you’re feeling today. But know this….we love you, my FRiend.
I lost my husband suddenly in May. He was hit by a car walking back to our hotel after a wonderful week celebrating my grandson’s graduation. We were married for 52 years and it’s been awful. My children and grandkids have saved my sanity. I got a beautiful flower arrangement from my daughter and her family today. and despite moving me to tears it felt so good.
In the past hour I heard from two of my grandsons in college. I’m truly blessed.
I’m so sorry.
Sending a comforting {{{cyber-hug}}} and sending up a prayer for you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad your children and grandchildren are thinking of you! I know my SIL is heartbroken, but she is trying to cope as best as she can, as I know you are.
Diana - have a question. Do you give to the same people every year as well as to the new ones?
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