Rooted in Joy: When One Bouquet Sparked a Friendship

Hope Blooms is about more than flowers—it’s about the friendships, conversations and moments of joy that bloom along the way.

Volunteer Lee Schwartz shared a powerful experience with Bev, a resident at the Leach Home in Wahpeton, N.D. During a Flower Empower activity, Lee sat side by side with Bev as she created her very first bouquet. At first, Bev wasn’t sure where to begin. Together they talked through colors and flowers, carefully choosing each stem and designing the arrangement.

What started as a simple activity quickly became something much more. Laughter and conversation filled the room, and with every flower added to the vase, joy blossomed. When the bouquet was complete, Bev hugged Lee and said, “This is the best day I’ve ever had!”

For Lee, that moment captured the heart of Hope Blooms:

“It’s not just about the flowers. It’s about open doors for conversations, about laughter, about new friendships. The flowers are simply the most beautiful leave-behind.”

Stories like Bev’s remind us that what we do is rooted in joy. The flowers brighten rooms, but it’s the connection, healing and hope that take root in the process.