As much as I love and adore arranging floral arrangements, I like to create something a little different and longer lasting regarding sympathy gifts. This summer we’ve had a couple dear friends pass away.

Instead of rushing to get something ready for the funerals, I waited. It seems when someone passes, the relatives left behind are immediately inundated with loving gifts of food, flowers, and service. These are all wonderful and necessary offerings, bringing comfort and peace to grieving family members. I like to wait a few weeks or even a couple months to think about the gift I want to give to commemorate a life well lived. This is my “gathering” period. I begin to gather things I hope will bring peace, comfort, and Light, in addition to fond memories of the loved one who has passed on.

Sometimes the gift is a simple glass jar with a favorite battery operated “Luminara” candle inside, wrapped with a simple strand of realistic looking faux greenery in the bottom of the jar. Other times I order a basket from my favorite Amish basket makers in the Midwest, line it with a meaningful dishtowel, and begin filling it with treats, books, and other items I hope the family will enjoy.

I did a post last year about the amazing couple in our neighborhood who grow tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables to give away. The Garrison’s are one of those one-in-a-million couples that live their lives to serve others.

They have fed more families than I can imagine with their top-notch garden crops, including ours!

I have loved canning the infamous Garrison tomatoes for many years.

I knew immediately when Ron Garrison suddenly passed last month what the theme of his wife, Joyce’s, sympathy gift basket would be – tomatoes and sunflowers, because she loves them both.

The dish towel from “Geometry” has tomatoes on it, and another friend of the Garrison’s contributed a matching dish cloth and another coordinating dish towel, also with tomatoes.

I also included a candle jar with little faux tomatoes and greenery around the base of the candle nestled inside the basket. The rest of the basket was filled with our favorite treats in hope that Joyce enjoys those as well.

I am grateful for the examples of these loving people in my life. Even though they are not with us physically anymore, their LIGHT lives on forever! May God’s blessings be upon all those who have grieving hearts, and may they have the strength to hold on to the LIGHT and feel the love of their dear ones. I have no doubt we are ministered to by guardian angels who know and love us. I also believe we will see them again, and that day will be a day of Light filled reunions of love!

Look for ways to bring lasting Light and love to those who are grieving around you, that they may be blessed to feel peace and comfort. Have a great week.

Love Ya, Les 😊

Serve

Sympathy Gifts