Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bloom (11/22/12)
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TITLE: SAM'S MEMORY LIVES ON IN THE ROSES | Previous Challenge Entry
By James Dick
11/26/12 -
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Despite the hard work and painful arthritis, he never complained. After all, he was headed home to his beautiful bride of forty-five years who helped him raise two wonderful sons. The oldest was a doctor and the younger a rising military officer.
Sam Henderson realized that his boys had learned their love of hard work and achievement from him. Never advancing beyond journeyman welder, he had been a loving and giving father who instilled strong values in his boys. And he knew it couldn’t have been done without his precious Eloise.
Nearing his apartment building, he made his usual stop at the neighborhood flower shop. Stepping inside out of the cold, Mrs. Fleming, the owner smiled at him while finishing with another customer.
Helen’s Flower Shop was a wonderful place reminiscent of years gone by. It had beautiful flowers and fragrant aromas. Lavender, spice, cinnamon and other scents filled the air. It was particularly pleasant on a cold afternoon. The soft glow of multiple colored candles added to the ambiance.
“Same as usual, Sam?” she asked. “Sure you don’t want to try something new?”
“No, ma’am,” his eyes twinkled as he answered. “Just a dozen red roses, please. Don’t forget, fresh buds just about to bloom. Eloise loves them and I love how they make her smile like a schoolgirl.”
“Don’t worry, Sam, I remember,” she answered softly. “I hope she knows how lucky she is.”
“Well, Helen,’ he chuckled. “She knows that I am the lucky one.”
Picking up the flowers, he said farewell and headed home. Entering the apartment house, he began his weary trudge to the fourth floor. As he rounded the third flight, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck and left arm. Also being short of breath, he decided to stop and rest on the steps.
Sam was having a massive heart attack. He tried to get up but couldn’t move and he couldn’t speak. His last words were to his Lord, asking Him to take care of Eloise and make sure she got her flowers.
When Eloise noticed Sam was late, she walked into the hallway and looked down the stairs. She cried out as she saw her loving husband slumped over against the rail.
An ambulance arrived within minutes but it was too late. Sam died almost as soon as he sat down.
Four days later a graveside service was held at Olive Grove Cemetery. All of Sam’s family, including his wife and two sons, as well as friends, neighbors and the workers from the machine shop were present.
Eloise asked Mrs. Fleming to say a word since Sam knew her just about better than anyone else. He had been buying flowers from her every Friday for over twenty-five years.
Mrs. Fleming was choked up and had trouble speaking. After a few moments, however, she composed herself and looked out at the large and attentive audience.
“I knew Sam for a lot of years and I can probably tell you better than anyone how much he loved Eloise. He was also extremely proud of both of his boys and loved to talk about them and their achievements.
“But one thing most of you might not know is that Sam loved flowers and especially roses. And nothing made him happier than to stop by my shop each Friday and pick up twelve beautiful red roses for Eloise. And they had to be just at the point where the bloom was beginning to open. Nothing else would do.
“So in memory of Sam, I have brought several boxes of fresh, ready to bloom red roses. I ask that each of you, as you pass the casket, place one rose on top. Sam’s memory will live on in the roses.”
And with that, the congregants began one by one to pass the casket paying final respects, each leaving a single rose.
Over ninety roses were lowered into the ground on the top of that casket. Each was fresh and each was nearing bloom stage. It left a lasting impression on all in attendance. No one would forget Sam.
And in Heaven above, Sam was smiling.
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Overall, good job!
Thank you. God bless~