Flowers left at the Dolly Parton statue in Sevierville, TN
I went to the dentist today and asked a simple question of my hygienist, Anna. I left inspired.
After Anna asked me what I did this summer, I asked her the same. She and her parents had just gotten back from Tennessee. Along the way, they decided to take a rest stop and walk around in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, TN. In front of the courthouse, there is a statue of young Dolly holding her guitar.
As you can imagine, the site has become a memorial since Dolly’s passing. Locals and those traveling through have left bouquets of flowers around her statue. What I heard next was beautiful to imagine. In a heart shape around Dolly’s statue, local officials put pink, water-filled 5-gallon buckets with the following message printed on a sign:
“Thank you for helping us continue Dolly’s legacy of kindness and compassion. Flowers will be donated to Random Acts of Flowers to be shared with patients in local hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities. Balloons will be taken to Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital to bring joy and hope to children and families.”
When I got home, I searched for a story about Dolly’s memorial, and the photos were just as pretty as I had imagined. The best part is that the flowers people are dropping off to memorialize Dolly Parton, are being used to bless others, just like she would have wanted.
Recently, our community lost a beloved mother and friend. There were large, beautiful floral displays given to honor her life. Due to their size, it was going to be too difficult to transport them or use beyond the service. A friend of mine made vase arrangements using the memorial service flowers and delivered them to the grieving family, as well as to the cancer center where she received her treatments.
In our town, we have a non-profit called Friendly City Florals that takes donations of flowers from weddings, funerals, and other local events and repurposes them for seniors at local nursing homes, teachers, etc.
It’s not often that you have such a huge outpouring of flowers, but I have been inspired by the thoughtfulness of those who honored Dolly, as well as my friend who blessed a grieving family. In the future, it's my hope to do the same, offering to help a family who would love to share their flowers from a wedding or memorial service to bless loved ones or strangers.
Warmly,
Adina
Fresh-Roasted Coffee, Without Leaving the House
A third-generation LA roaster ships 50+ coffees — single origins, flavored favorites, decafs, even teas — days after roasting. Mix and match Keurig®-compatible boxes for tiered savings up to 34% off. First order? Take an extra 15% off, automatically.
One of the greatest joys of Take Them A Meal has been connecting with caring people from all across the country. Beginning today, you'll see a new community feature within our newsletters where you can share ideas, ask questions, and encourage one another. No separate sign-up is needed—simply click through from the newsletter and join the conversation! ~Adina
In Case You Missed It
These Fall Sugar Cookie Dipper Cups are the cutest little fall treat! Mini sugar cookies with chocolate frosting for dipping and festive sprinkles make them perfect for potlucks, parties, or adding to a meal you’re taking to someone!
Don’t have instagram? Click here for the recipe!
Check out this fun Date Night In gift basket Nadia put together for new parents! She filled it with everything they need for a cozy date night after the little ones go to bed, including dinner, popcorn, and dessert!
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and a reminder that a few simple words of encouragement can mean more than we realize. We’ve gathered some of our favorite words to uplift, encourage, and remind someone just how loved and needed they are.
If you’re taking a meal to a family and want to include breakfast for the next day for them to enjoy, consider taking these delicious Egg Muffins. They come together quickly and freeze well, so all the recipient needs to do is pop them in the microwave the following day.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
Whether it's her first or her fifteenth child, every mom needs to take care of herself while she cares for her new little one. Here are some great ideas for taking meals, snacks, gifts, and/or encouragement to a mom of a new little one.
