Today I received a little gift of beauty after a tragedy. A couple weeks ago, at a local grocery store, a young gunman killed an elderly customer, an employee that tried to stop him, and then himself. The community is still dealing with the tragedy, but is moving forward.
The store reopened today and employees were happy to see customers returning. Customers received an orchid plant as a token of the store’s appreciation. I thought it was interesting they chose to give customers orchids.
Orchids are epiphytes, often growing on other plants. The host plants offer support to these beautiful plants. Orchids rely on their host plants for survival, but they don’t harm them. Orchids enrich their shared environment.
Bend, Oregon and other places are learning to deal with tragedy. We are hesitant to depend upon each other for support, but when we do, our shared communities blossom and prosper.
Find beauty after a tragedy where you can and share it with others. 🙂
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What a nice gesture after such a horrible incident.
Yes, I thought so too, Alanna. I was pleasantly surprised.
Beautiful really. I hope you will all find healing and grace in the days/months ahead*
Thanks, Bonnie. 🙂
What a dreadful thing to happen. I hope your community finds healing - these lovely flowers are a beautiful way to start 🤗
Thanks, Sarah. The community has been very supportive. 👍
A beautiful, thoughtful post for a difficult event. Thank you.
Thanks, Suzy. As you know, it affects all of us who live here.
Yes, sharing beauty after ugliness is kind wisdom.
Yes, Tom, I was deeply touched by this small gesture from the store.
Oh. gosh - that was a terrible thing to have happened. I feel so sorry for what your community is going through. The store must have been very touched by the support of their customers.
Thanks. Yes, some of the cashiers were in tears, happy to see us yet sad about what happened. We will move forward together. :)