Second Bloom

Every week dozens of volunteers in the Monterey Bay area gather to repurpose elegant flower arrangements that would otherwise be discarded after corporate events, weddings, conventions, and other galas. Over a hundred new bouquets are then donated to senior organizations, Meals on Wheels, hospice, and the infusion center where Mr S is getting his treatments; those groups insure that their clients get a little extra sunshine in their lives. It is such an unexpected treat to see the colorful little vases lined up on the counter of a medical facility. Last week I was reluctant to select one, thinking, of all things, that he wasn’t sick enough, that someone coming in later would deserve them more. Oh, what we do to ourselves… The nurse convinced me today that it was fine to take an arrangement home with us. It fit perfectly in the cup holder, as you can see. Not to worry: Mr S is doing well; I’m reluctant to discuss his details, but the illness does form the background fabric of our lives right now so it will come up from time to time. Anyway, I wanted to give a shout out to the folks at Second Bloom for maintaining a unique program that brings joy to so many people.