A rose to the living

We recently attended a funeral of a good friend in Riverton,Wyoming. There were many flowers in the church and the casket was covered with flowers.  The speakers gave the deceased many compliments and extolled her virtues. You may ask if we sent flowers as well. Although we were very good friends and had traveled Europe together, we did not send flowers.

We have done the flower sending in the past. This time we took into account the the saying that my grandmother Gee was fond of quoting. "A rose to the living is worth sumptuous wreaths to the dead "

Our friend was in the terminal stages of cancer. We called her and talked to her. She wanted some support and asked for some suggestions of books to read that might help her through the process of dying. 

We did send her a book and some suggestions. She was appreciative and when we talked to her later, she said that it helped. 

What she needed at that time was our figurative rose while she was living. She could not appreciate flowers after her death. 

People need to be appreciated while they are living, not after they are gone. 

Too often we miss the opportunity to connect with people. There are many people who would appreciate a small token of affection or word of kindness. We often miss the opportunity to give deserved specific praise to those who have unexpressed needs. 
If we are sensitive to the spirit, we will be a messenger to comfort and elevate the souls of God's children. 

Please read the words of the hymn "Have I done any good in the world today? "

Can you think of someone you can give a rose to today?

Love,

Grandpa