How did you come to own a flower shop?
Well, in thinking back, it was just a stroke of good luck. It was really my husband’s business adventure. He had financed his college education by working part time in a local flower shop. Years later, he ended up buying a flower shop with a friend. My husband was the business brain and his partner was an accomplished, experienced floral designer! I taught school for a short time, but they needed my help in the flower shop (cheap labor). I was taught about floral design from the very best designer, and I loved it! Unfortunately, After a few short years, my husband passed away (he was 42 years old). I stayed on as partner for 35 years…..it went by in a flash!
What did you like about it?
As with most things in life, my 35 years were filled with plenty of challenges, and rewards. It was both exciting and worrisome…..working with a perishable and not knowing what each day would bring. We were asked to use our imagination to create some bizarre floral arrangements…..Miss Piggy, The Little Mermaid, roller skates, a winning poker hand, many dogs (customers would bring in pictures), various emblems and logos, and religious symbols…not to mention the wedding requests that were over the top! (Like tropical fish swimming in tall vases with tropical arrangements on top.) Flowers are expressions of feelings, a way of communicating those feelings and sentiments to others. I loved talking to people, hearing their stories and then finding appropriate flowers to express their messages for them.
What are you doing now that you are retired?
I have retired from the floral business, but not from flowers. I volunteer at JourneyCare Hospice and make floral arrangements from the many flower donations they receive. I also do the flower arrangements for the dining rooms at a Three Crowns Retirement Home in Evanston.
Why did you come to The Manual Touch and how are you feeling?
Due to another stroke of good luck, I saw a class on Lower Back Pain offered by Denise from The Manual Touch Physical Therapy at Northbrook YMCA. I followed up with an assessment by Denise. Three years ago, I fell and broke my right arm and hip, followed by months of physical therapy. I still have “ issues” with my neck, back, hip and knee….which Denise has explained are all related. She is a “ new set of eyes” on an old problem, and has helped me immensely. I have learned new exercises for my neck, back and hip which have made a difference in my pain and mobility. I’ve learned a new way to walk which helps me feel stable and strong. I continue to work on balance which is major to not falling again. Denise is easy to talk to, answers all my questions, and takes time to listen. Regaining my mobility and balance, and keeping strong bones are my goals, and Denise is helping me get there!
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