A Blue Rose

I had a friend share this story with me recently and I wanted to post to my blog because I wanted to share it with you! Hope you have a wonderfully BLESSED day!


A Blue Rose
Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you ?"

Without thinking I said,
"Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said,
"God bless you !" and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why ? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.


Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.


"People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel !"

 
Easter 2011

Had a fabulous morning with my parents, sister and her family and my hubby and boys! We went to the 9a.m. service at church and then hit Cracker Barrel after that.  But before all that we had to have our usual family photo ops which the kids always love - NOT!

Aren't these foxgloves and hydrangea gorgeous - my sister and mom brought them for me since Easter dinner was at our house.

My neice Hannah let me face paint her up!

 

My litter sister - looks amazing - 134 lbs. down!! I can't even remember the last time I saw my sister in a dress let alone a dress this little! Amazing sista!! Keep up the good work!



Here are some more snapshots from today!



Our Parents



Missed having the rest of our family here! Hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Easter! He is Alive!

Love,

Sandy

Happy Easter!!

Had a wonderful lunch with my parents here and my younger sister and her family ~ would have been awesome if my older sister and family could have travelled down as well.

Chilling out and lounging around the house! However, I have a feeling my baby sister is gonna wanna go exercise later!! She has lost 134 lbs. She started a year ago tomorrow and is in the best shape I've ever seen her in!!

Will post pics later. Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend and very Blessed Easter!!

Sandy

 Hibiscus Class

Monday we painted Hibiscus and a hummingbird - which was a lot of fun.



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Have a great day!
Sandy