March 31, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
Stems of Strength
American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, Hooksett, New Hampshire (19)
So let me tell you a little bit about this part of my journey. I came about this particular event after searching diligently throughout the internet and immediately, I loved the entire concept. Being the first flower of spring, the daffodil signals to its other stemmed friends that it’s time to wake up and face the new days ahead. Because of its bravery and willingness to take such initiative, it’s known as the flower of hope. The power of this small blossom was unbeknownst to me until the past several weeks when I learned about Daffodil Days. Created by the American Cancer Society, the daffodil, “represents the hope we all share for a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.” So what would I be doing on this fantastically sunny day in New Hampshire? Wrapping flowers in small bundles that would eventually be delivered to the men and women suffering from cancer.
The setting was Great State Beverages, a giant warehouse that sat at the end of an incredibly long and curvy road in southern part of the state. After parking our sweet ride and following the crowds of people, we entered into a building that resembled a maze of of bottled waters, beers and soft drinks. And then I saw the table. I gotta be honest here. It’s like love in a candy shop when I walk into these various events and the goodies are plentiful. I’m talking about the kind of snacks worth writin’ home about (or blogging about on a website): Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies, Lorna Doone shortbreads, some Flavor Blasted Goldfish, and the list…goes on. I mean the loot is insane and truly I must admit, a highlight in my visits! So anyhow, back to the project.
As we walked from the front to the back, large boxes of flowers occupied the small amount of vacant space and stations of tissue and stickers (our necessary components) were organized throughout. Joining my teammates we began grouping and wrapping these beautiful bouquets. Grabbing from a box of 50, the flowers quickly disappeared into their papered arrangements. With green tissue extending from all angles, the bundle was tight and in the center, a small sticker to satisfy that cherry-on-top sort of requirement.
We were like masters of disaster with these flowers. Our table in particular was movin’ and groovin’ and through one box, then another, we’d grab stems, wrap, stick, then pack. I pretty much stuck with the stickin’ as I’d become quite accustomed and then, after some gabbing, some laughing, just like that, we were finished. I’m not kidding, one of the attendants walked right over, and there were simply, no more flowers. I couldn’t believe the day was over. The time had passed like I’d never imagined. No part of me was ready to leave. While originally we’d planned for the long haul, with the tremendous amount of interest in the event (over 300 people volunteering with only 150 being needed), our job was completed soon after beginning. The organization of the entire operation made the process super manageable, and wonderfully efficient.
Before I left, of course I loaded up on the goods. Not a tremendous drive ahead but definitely one that could surely put to use some sweet and savory treats. In heading toward the parked car I couldn’t help but think that given my short visit, my accomplishment hadn’t been as great. But then I remembered what volunteering ultimately is about: doing what’s needed, not what evokes certain emotions by the volunteers, and I realized just what we as a greater team, not I as an individual, was able to achieve.
You see this flower begins as a small bulb. With nourishment, water, the goodness of nature and a splash of love, it develops into a type of beauty that astonishes and sparks admiration. As bright yellow petals open and make their way into this world, we are reminded of the beauty of that which reemerges; the amazing strength it reveals once again, and the hope it instills for those who have temporarily become disconnected. Just as those suffering from this relentless disease find themselves often defeated, this flower symbolizes rejuvenation and the natural ability we each have to survive.
As I walked away from working to once again promote cancer awareness, I was certain that at some point in time, hopefully in the near future, a cure to this disease would be found. The word ” cancer” would only refer to an historical epidemic that once bred fear and uncertainty. Until that time however, there are people, like the people today, who would focus on making this disease more tolerable for those experiencing its wrath. There would be people who would inspire moments of pleasure and tranquility. Perhaps the flowers we arranged today would do just that. Undoubtedly, their inherent beauty but more importantly, the compassion exhibited with the delivery of each bouquet, would kindle a sense of determination to continue through the pain and the suffering. Ideally this determination would lead to one’s healing and triumphant return to this world stronger than the rest of us, confident in moving forward to an easier existence, with many more daffodils for the future.
