They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  But this picture right here is worth way more than that to me tonight.  

Today, I was doing my regular Saturday menu-planning and grocery shopping on Instacart.  I had orders at Costco, Aldi and Cub.  My Aldi and Costco  orders were shopped and delivered right away (by Jason and Lynda, respectively)  I was getting nervous because our dinner was in the Cub order.   While waiting, I started the emotional task of writing cards out to my students that I will deliver to each of them later this week.  As I was writing, I received a text that my Cub order started to be shopped by Evelyn.  I was watching via the app to make sure Cub had the steaks I was waiting for.  After she shopped the steaks, I noticed she paused around the bakery section (as it’s next to the meat dept).  I texted her that I wasn’t really looking for that specific bread….I just needed a big ol’ crusty loaf of bread for a recipe.  She found my bread, and I thought I’d clarify another part of my order.   I had requested a “Minnesota Bouquet” from the floral department.  I wrote to her “As for flowers….I’m just looking for some happiness on my table.  Anything around $20 is ok!”   She wrote back, “That’s so beautifully put!  I will look for some for you. We all need some happiness now!”  I quickly responded, “Can you get me 2 bouquets?” She asked if I wanted it to be the same or different than the 1st bouquet she picked out.   I told her the same then added, it didn’t really matter, it could be different!  She said she was able to get 2.  

What happened in my driveway 10 minutes later was the most beautiful and raw moment.  It was one I needed today.  I think Evelyn needed it too.   

Evelyn drove into my driveway as I walked out to meet her for my groceries.  She grabbed my grocery bags out of her car and said, “These flowers are so beautiful!”   I quickly took one bouquet out and handed it to her.  I said, “These are for you.  You were right….we all need some happiness right now.”  We both started crying and we gave each other the biggest hug on my driveway.  She said she will be talking about me forever as no one has ever done something so sweet for her before.  

See, Evelyn, is a beautiful person of color, and right now things are not so happy here in our state.  All day, it’s been nagging on me that I feel like we should be downtown helping clean up, but I knew that wasn’t probably a very safe choice for my family.   I never knew how powerful my idea would be when I asked her to buy that 2nd bouquet, but it left us both in tears on my driveway.  We both laughed saying we’ve never cried grocery shopping before tonight.  Evelyn said she had one more order to deliver and she was going home to put her flowers in water.  I went in to start supper, put away groceries, and put my flowers in water as well.  These flowers will be my daily reminder of hope and love in Minnesota tonight.  

So, I share my priceless photo with you tonight.  Our texting conversation on my computer screen, my Minnesota glass (of water with a lemon and lime wedge) and my beautiful flowers.  Happiness is on my table.  I hope Evelyn has happiness on her table tonight too.  

Stay strong, Minnesota!