Our story begins with a little boy. My little boy to be exact… He was the spark that one day ignited the flame that became 21 Petals. His name is Foxx and he is truly special. He possesses a unique spirit that is his gift to this world! It's evident though, that this world is not always attuned to accommodate individuals like him. As a parent, I grapple with the stark reality of this realization, acknowledging the challenges it presents. That said, I have never been one to shy away from a challenge. I firmly believe that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and change. In the face of adversity, we have the power to transform the world around us.
In our journey, we find inspiration from individuals like Amy Wright, who stands as one of my personal heroes. She beautifully encapsulates our sentiment when she states, "I would not change you for the world, but I will change the world for you." These powerful words resonate deep within us, fortifying our resolve to not only embrace our extraordinary child but also work tirelessly to create a world that embraces and celebrates his unique spirit and gifts.
Foxx was born with Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down Syndrome. During the early months of 2017 Foxx fought for his life over the course of four months in Riley Children’s Hospital. I remember two nights very distinctly when he nearly lost that fight. Children's hospitals do a remarkable job of brightening the hallways and offering engaging activities, aiming to divert attention from the stark reality. However, the truth remains that these hospitals are cold, dry, noisy battlefields where families fight and pray for their most cherished members. While we are forever grateful for the exceptional care provided by Riley, we are equally grateful to have moved beyond those difficult times. During our extended stay at the hospital, when my son was tethered to his bed by NG and oxygen tubes, the need for outdoor experiences as a family became overpowering.
As time passed and Foxx slowly recovered, we were finally discharged from the hospital. However, due to his illness, we had to take extra precautions to protect him. Foxx's compromised immune system made him highly susceptible to infections, so we made the decision to essentially quarantine as a family for several months. During this period, we had minimal contact with the outside world, focusing solely on work and home.
Amidst the isolation, after four long months in a hospital room the longing to be outdoors continued to stir within us. It was during this time that I decided to start a flower garden, enlisting the help of Foxx and his sister, Reeslin. As the flowers bloomed, we were filled with a sense of joy and accomplishment. We quickly began giving the flowers to the nurses who had cared for Foxx and our family during our darkest hours. Their emotional reactions to receiving the flowers from Foxx were overwhelming, and it touched our hearts deeply. Encouraged by the positive impact, we continued to share the blooms with other heroes in our community, such as teachers.
With each bouquet we gave away, I couldn't help but notice the genuine joy that lit up the faces of those who received them. In that moment, a profound realization took hold of me—a calling that I couldn't ignore. I became determined to use flowers as a means to change the world for my son.
Flowers have the unique and remarkable ability to uplift spirits, bring solace, and ignite happiness…just like Foxx. Growing up with a flower farm / shop is the perfect fit. Foxx will be able to spread love and happiness with each bouquet he is a part of. With each petal, I am determined to make a lasting impact—a testament to the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that defines our family and my son. Together, we will continue to use flowers as a powerful tool to brighten lives, create connections, and bring about positivity in our community and beyond.
