I had a meeting on Tuesday with our florist for the wedding. His name is Bud. He is such a precious man, like everyone's father or grandfather, or the ones you wish you had! He is 82, and an institution in this town. He is deeply proud of his family and speaks about his children and grandchildren with reverent admiration. This wasn't our first meeting regarding the upcoming wedding, he greeted me with his notes from our previous time together, we carefully went over each and every item one by one and he checked them off with a worn-out pencil. He never seems rushed or hurried, and although I know better I could easily be convinced that I was his only client. He inquired about procuring a key to our church, he'd searched his key drawer and wasn't able to locate one to our sanctuary. It seems that he holds a key to almost every one of the church doors in town! I assured him that I'd be there to meet him at the front door at the appointed time. I'm smiling now, reflecting on that innocent request. We don't hand out church keys, to anyone. It hasn't always been that way. Things have changed, the world is a different place now; from a security stand-point for a downtown church. It makes my heart heavy to even think about the fact that we've just now appointed a security task committee to look at enhanced safety options in and around the church property for staff, for members, for events. The very reality of the need for this step assaults me. He was a cheerful and understanding when I turned him down regarding his request for a key. He remembers the way things used to be, he retreats there for a moment and smiles a distant smile. I find myself wanting to retreat to that time and place, too! He patted me on the arm; "it's going to be such a pretty wedding", he assured me, "Bud will see to that!" Indeed, he will, I have no absolutely doubts whatsoever!Life is Good!
10 comments:
"Bud" is a wonderful name for a florist! ;-)
I love how he made you feel comfortable and "secure" that everything would be wonderful.
And a nice pat on the arm does help sometimes. Maybe if people could do that more often...
Connected to Love, *karendianne.
Your post made my smile! I have no doubt that "BUD" will do a wonderful job with those flowers!
Our younger son belongs to a "downtown" church and they, too, have had numerous security issues, task force/committee activities, and have installed a security camera on the main administrative entrance door... I agree, there's such a yearning for certain places to be safe no matter what but the world just doesn't "get it"...
May Bud's flowers be tangible reminders of the good that does exist in this world!
How could a man named 'Bud' be anything else but a great florist!? I loved this post...
I can practically smell the flowers *s*
Isn't it fun to think of God whispering to new parents about their new baby's name? BUD for a florist? My vets name is KAT? Dr. GOOD? **VBS**
I was going to write exactly what ancestor collector wrote, but wasn't quick enough, I see.
Oh how I wish for the old days when life wasn't full of fear of terrible things that can & do happen, those happy days when we could trust that we were safe and protected.
Just something about the name "Bud" that brings reassurance to the flower business! He will do a GREAT JOB with the flowers for the wedding I am sure!
Safety/security well unfortunately that is a whole other subject, working in a public school I can tell you, respect of the property of others is non-existant. And just the fact that we need to monitor the doors, is so depressing and concerning! OK moving on to a better subject!
Please do share pictures of the flowers from the wedding -- how about pictures of the wedding too! Have a great evening!
At my brother's wedding, someone stole some things that were by the coat rack while they were exchanging their vows. I suppose that the best place to steal things is where people least suspect it.
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