Wednesday, July 27, 2011

JULY 19th 2011 FINAL DELIVERY TO WALTER REED

“Flowers will fade but his word endures forever.”

Each day is a new day and we worshiped the Lord with gladness.  Freedom Petals last delivery was more wondrous than all our events.  It was filled with a flurry of love, joyful noise in caring conversation and beautiful song.  Walter Reed Army Medical Center has been serving our military community for one hundred and two years and it was such a privilege to be part of its final journey in such a rewarding way. 

The day was very emotional and bitter sweet.   For the first time we delivered flowers to Mologne House and the Hospital in one day.  Keith, Pam and I dropped off 85 arrangements at 9am in the Mologne House cafeteria.  Monica made large signs that said, “Do not touch the flowers.”  What a dear steward she has been for us.   We would return to our spot in the lobby at 1pm after the hospital delivery.

Off we went at 10am to the hospital to bring joy, healing and smiles with 45 fresh, crisp arrangements.  The VIP staff met us at the front and we filled two carts with beautiful bouquets.  You couldn’t tell that the hospital will be moving its residents in one month’s time.  Busy and clamoring with noise everywhere.  We left our hearts at every nurse’s station, the Family Assistance Center, Red Cross Office, and the Chapel.  We handed out flowers in the elevators, the halls and gave them to veteran patients leaving to go home.   Our last stop was the wonderful executive staff that has guided our ministry through the halls and wards.  It was a very tearful goodbye, but also comforting in knowing that they will hopefully take us with them when they move to Fort Belvoir and Bethesda Military Hospitals.  Once all the processes are in place for visitors, we look forward with a renewed spirit to start our new adventure once again.

At Mologne House we ate lunch in the cafeteria, why didn’t we do that before is beyond me.  It was yummy.  When we arrived, two very large buses dropped off lots of young people from Oklahoma City to bring a choral concert for the recuperating service members and their families at Mologne House.  We were so excited to be part of another wonderful gift of music.  At 1pm we set up in the lobby and handed out our bouquets just like every other month.  But the spirit in the house was filled with joy and I think acceptance had set in of the impending closure of Walter Reed.  The members were moving to the new hospitals and some were looking forward to finally going home.   

I want to thank all the volunteers for giving of your precious time to support Freedom Petals every month for the last 19 months.  Freedom Petals wouldn’t exist without the commitment you have made to this giving cause.

God Bless You Always,  Michele

Barbara K. "Freedom Petals Treasurer and Hero"                                    
This is her in front of a painting of Walter Reed delivering at Mologne House.                    
My mom Colette, she made 90 silk flower pens for the nurses.