Yesterday, Aaron and I had so much fun making our annual delivery of Valentine roses to Paradigm, his day group. The roses are given by our local Dillon’s store, made possible by our sweet friend, Jody.
I have more fun with this than Aaron does. He gets nervous about it, wanting things to go just so-so according to his perceived plans.
“Mom,” he told me on our way to Paradigm, “boys shouldn’t get roses.”
“Boys can have a rose if they want one,” I replied.
“But I see only women as being for roses,” he countered.
Oh Aaron.
So, you can see that Aaron had his mind made up about how this should operate. I gave him a little pre-event briefing as we drove there, and all was well as far as the guys getting a rose from Aaron.
The roses put smiles on many faces on this Valentine’s Day. I never capture it in pictures the way I would like but here are a few shots.
Even Piper, the dog, had a rose offered to him by Aaron.
When I watch Aaron’s friends, either at Paradigm or elsewhere, I am so touched by each of their physical struggles. Recently, Aaron casually mentioned a big change for one of his friends. It hit me hard. I wanted to hide behind a closed door away from Aaron and just cry for this dear person.
I watch these special friends of Aaron’s when I pick him up at the end of his day. Many of their struggles are physical and easily seen. Some are not so visible but are there just the same.
I am inspired by their strength amid their daily difficulties…how they accept their situations and keep going…how they laugh and hug and give of themselves to each other.
I saw a quote about a rose that I loved.
“A rose doesn’t talk about its beauty; it just shows it.”
When I look at our special ones, I see a unique kind of beauty. They don’t know how beautiful they really are…beautiful in the ways that count.
They don’t talk about their beauty, but they certainly show it in how they love and how they live with resilience and acceptance and strength.
They’re not held up by the world as models of fame and beauty.
They don’t swoosh in on a red carpet, cameras flashing, people clapping, gushing with their own vain glory, the subject of tomorrow’s headlines and news reels and parades.
But oh, they show a beauty that far exceeds the gaudy, self-serving lives that are idolized by so much of the world.
I would give them a million roses if I could, but I hope that the one rose they received yesterday reminds them that they are the true beauties of this world…and they show it every day without saying a word.
He Said What?! 
A true touch of Heaven through a simple act of love, in the gift of a rose, for the least of these–God sees.
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Yes, God does see them, doesn’t He? And we need to as well. Thank you, Manette.
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I see your love and patience in every post. Bless you and Aaron.
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Thank you, Cindy!
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Thank you for raising Aaron with kindness.
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Aaron struggles with kindness in some situations, but giving gifts is his love language and it’s a blessing to give him opportunities to do that. Thanks for reading!
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I agree, Patty. I think they are God’s Special Ones, too! 🙏🌹
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God does love them so much and so should we. Thanks, G.W.
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A beautiful heart is the most beautiful thing in the world. It does not seek glory for itself because true joy is always in the giving…and the giving…and the giving. The ‘special ones’ remind us of true beauty because their hearts are open and they have nothing to hide. They give with all they have, and I think that scares some people. Their hands and hearts are open and not closed. Their feelings are real, and not concealed. (What a beautiful Valentine’s day that you had….)
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You are so right, Linda. Aaron definitely shows his feelings. Sometimes it’s not pleasant, but other times it is so moving and sweet. We have to understand and allow for both.
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Yes! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing Aaron’s wonderful Valentine’s day with his day group. Your touching account was beautiful. God bless you and Aaron for all that you do for others. 🙂
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Thank you for reading and for always encouraging me, Nancy. Blessings!
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Such a moving story, Patty, celebrating Beauty–in the quiet persistence of these dear ones, the eager joy with which Aaron distributes the roses, and the gracious kindness of all who serve, all who give. Thank you for touching our hearts today!
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I wish everyone would be able to experience the joy that these special ones bring. Thanks for reading, Nancy.
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I love that a rose is so simple in beauty—some tightly coiled petals, a stem and some leaves and the necessary survival needs, that it!!…when compared to our lives, a rose doesn’t go for all the extra jazz that so many feel necessary…it just finds and shows beauty with what it’s been given, much like the special people in our lives. ❤️
Great reminder, Patty!
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So true, Alicia. Thank you!
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I love the quote you mentioned, “A rose doesn’t talk about its beauty; it just shows it.” I enjoyed your words about Aaron’s friends. We could learn a lot from them and the beauty they offer to our world. 🌹
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They teach without talking, just like the rose. Blessings, Dawn!
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Patty, Thank you, my friend, for loving and giving so much. Sending love and hugs to you and Aaron!
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Thank you, Cindy. Lots of love and big hugs to you, as well!
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“A rose doesn’t talk about its beauty; it just shows it.” What a beautiful quote. Your pictures are filled with many beautiful roses.
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I loved that quote, too, Beth. It describes Aaron’s group so well. And yes, they are beautiful roses.
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