“You Made My Day!”---A Valentine’s Story from the Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver Hub
Published February 18, 2022“You really can change the world if you care enough.” - Marian Wright Edelman
On February 14, 2022, Jane Lee woke up very early because she had an appointment with RCRG’s Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver Hub. She was going to donate 30 personalized bouquets to cheer up caregivers and their loved ones.
As a caregiver for her husband, Jane feels rewarded and happy most of the time. However, she has also experienced challenges and setbacks. When Jane learned about the Caregiver Hub, in 2021, she was so excited and reached out right away.
“The Richmond Caregiver Hub is so helpful for local caregivers,” said Jane. “With its great team and resources, it is even helpful for more groups in the community.”
When Valentine’s Day came around this year, Jane decided that caregivers deserved a special Valentine of their own.
Jane owns a small business called “A Blessing Flower Studio.” For this occasion, she purchased and prepared over 30 bouquets with colorful packaging and a lovely greeting card in each.
Jane Lee handing over the roses to Rachel, Caregiver Navigator of RCRG
“I am grateful that I can play a part to cheer the community through my little gifts and talents,” Jane told the Caregiver Hub.
After receiving this lovely donation, the Caregiver Hub team set up a flower booth in front of the RCRG office, and sent out some of the roses to caregivers and seniors who had appointments with community workers that day. The team then went out and delivered the other roses to caregivers and seniors who live alone.
It was a magical experience. Jane was a stranger to almost all of the rose recipients, but she brought big smiles to their faces and some even burst into tears. Our caregivers and seniors were so happy because they saw that they were loved, and someone was thinking of them.
Flower booth in front of RCRG office
“You made my day,” said one. “Thanks so much to Jane Lee for such a lovely thought and warm gift to all of us caregivers,” exclaimed another. A third said, “Thank you, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives for this arrangement and encouragement.”
The inspiring feedback and the smiling faces were the best Valentine’s presents we could have asked for.
“All caregivers are heroes behind the scenes,” said Rachel Qian, the Hub’s Caregiver Navigator. “It’s super great that we get a chance to recognize and appreciate their efforts and fantastic work this way!”
Janet, a junior caregiver and her mom have been supporting and caring for their senior friends in Richmond for years. Janet is happy for her caregiving efforts being recognized.
Thank you again, Jane Lee and A Blessing Flower Studio!
