I received this from a friend.I wanted to reach a lot of people so I am putting this in here. Please pass it on to everyone on your contact list.

"those who spread sunshine in the life of others cannot keep it from themselves"


Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry
and there's no detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my
store run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags
and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies,
and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked
in the narrow aisle by a young man that
appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry,
so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there.
This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air
and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged,
and also startled as he turned and saw me standing
so close to him, waiting to squeeze by.
His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face
as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother,"
he responded proudly.
"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny,
but my name is Hal."

"Hal, like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother
as she slowly came over from the next aisle.
"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and
let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny
for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school.
I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because
he was the center of someone's attention.
He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked
me for taking the time to talk with her son.
She told me that most people wouldn't even look
at him, much less talk to him.
I told her that it was my pleasure and then
I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses
in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare
and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness.
You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop
and smell that rose with their heart and touch that
rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye
she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said,
"Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion but I sure love
living in God's garden."

Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE
don't turn your head and walk off,
take the time to smile and say Hello.
Because by the grace of GOD this mother could be you.
This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew.
What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Be respectful.
Speak kindly.