I have the best childhood memories of making little cones of paper

and filling them with flowers…well, OK, weeds, if you want to get technical. 

When I was growing up, there were a few older ladies in my neighborhood who were always very kind to me.  They listened to me ramble, let me be nosey or allowed me to help in their garden.  I was always excited when May Day rolled around so I could secretly surprise them with flowers.  I’d knock on their door then run and hide.  I’d patiently wait until they answered the door to find no one there. Instead, they found a little gift, handmade especially for them.  I loved to do this for my great grandmother, Grannan, too, but she always knew who it was because I’d always visit with her after I made my delivery!  

 

Fast forward many, many years later…for my grandmother’s birthday, Drew would always send flowers to his Great Grandma.  She reveled in the fact that the card said Great Grandma when the flowers were delivered.  It was the perfect play on words.  Grandma (Nita) had a twin sister, Neva.  When Grandma passed away it was naturally very hard on Aunt Neva.  In an attempt to brighten Neva’s day, and lift her spirits, we began to send the flowers we would normally send to Great Grandma, to Aunt Neva.

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Neva and Nita reunited and I was saddened that we could no longer send either of them flowers.  It was then that I thought, “Keep the flowers going.  Why not brighten someone else’s day in their honor?” 

So, that is exactly what we did.  

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During the 19th and 20th centuries, May (Basket) Day was celebrated across the country, where baskets were created with flowers, candies and other treats and hung on the doors of friends, neighbors and loved ones on May 1.  In honor of Nita and Neva, my great grandmother, Opal, and all the older ladies from my childhood who gave me their time and attention and made me feel special, Come Together with Kindness created the May these brighten your Day Project.  Not only does it honor some very special ladies, but it is also fun to bring back a tradition from my childhood and share it with Drew, all while making other ladies feel as special as they truly are. 

We hope you'll join us on May Day!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          carmen@cometogetherwithkindness.com

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