I hope you guys and gals all had an AWESOME Valentine’s Day.  Mine was filled with love, love and more love. 

After calling what felt like a zillion florists to find one who would be interested in providing flowers for us to give to the Alzheimer’s and dementia patients that I work with as a volunteer. I was amazed when shop after shop said, “Hey! We’re in a recession! Forget it!” Now I wasn’t asking for roses here.  Heck, daisies would do. I even said they could attach their business card and see it as a marketing expense.  No luck.

I was about to give up when we finally found the Village Green Florist in Fairfax, California.  (http://myvillagegreenflowers.com/).  The beautiful owner, Karen Rossi, said she’d be thrilled to support our cause, even though business had really been down as the recession worsened. She especially connected with me when I shared about my work as a hospice volunteer.  Karen’s dad had recently passed away, and hospice made a real difference in supporting her and her family through his process.

So this Valentine’s day, with Karen Rossi’s help, I got to offer flowers and hugs to 36 wonderful people. Some are in hospice right now, nearing the end of their adventure on this gorgeous and mysterious planet.

It’s funny to think that all of this really began with the kindness of a stranger in Ft. Collins, Colorado who adjusted my messed up neck. Her refusal to accept financial payment and request that I pay it forward instead has already touched the lives of these thirty-six individuals – who knows where it goes from there!

I would love to hear your Valentine’s stories of Paying it Forward!  Feel free to post your comments and stories here.