On a chilly in Philly day in early March 2019, I eagerly stepped into a deliberately designed wonderland of color and creativity that is the annual Philadelphia Flower Show held at the Convention Center. The first one blossomed into being in 1829 sponsored by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. It is educational and entertaining and reinforces the importance of love and respect for the Earth and its beauty. This year’s theme touched my hippie heart: Flower Power! Lots of peace signs, a zen garden, complete with beatifically beaming Buddhas, rainbows, as music from the 60s wafted through the air.
An even bigger reason I have attended for the last several years is that I get to volunteer for Sara’s Smiles: Lift The Cloud, Inspire the Joy. I had the joy of interviewing Sara’s mother Jennifer Kogen Burke a few years ago as she shared stories about the organization she and her family founded after her daughter died 11 years ago at the age of 5 from a brain tumor. Had Sara lived she would now be an audaciously bright and beautiful 16-year-old who would likely be getting her driver’s permit and driving her parents crazy.
Photo credit, used with permission: Jennifer Kogen Burke
When Sara was a patient at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) her family, with Sara’s encouragement, came up with an idea for a fundraiser and fun for those who were in the hospital while being treated for cancer. It seems paradoxical, but imagine being a child whose life is turned topsy turvy by this disease; away from familiar surroundings, friends, pets and school. Even though family members can stay with the child, there really is no place like home. Hard to conceive of a pediatric oncology unit being a place of joy in the midst of sadness. Sara’s family want to ‘Lift the cloud, inspire the joy’ as their tagline proclaims.
Per Kogen Burke: “Developing Sara’s Smiles also helps us to continue on. It is the best way we know how to honor Sara’s memory and a piece of Sara’s spirit is in everything we do. Our mission is very “Sara” and we know that she would heartily approve of our mission to help others find joy in each day. The ability to focus on Sara’s Smiles diverts our attention from our own pain to help alleviate the pain of others. It’s important to use our experience to make it better for those walking in our footsteps.”
The joy comes in the form of Inspiration kits which are little plastic suitcases filled with all kinds of goodies, from art supplies to little toys, to folders for parents to organize important papers. Another special ingredient are cloud-shaped cards scripted with special messages for the children from strangers who offer love and encouragement as they face cancer. That was my job and that of the other volunteers yesterday and in previous years; inviting those in the crowd who passed through the halls to take a moment of their time to write with colored markers a short message. Since there was no way of knowing the gender or spiritual orientation of those receiving these, people were asked to keep them generic. “You’ve got this!” “We are with you!” “Kick cancer’s butt!” “We love you!” “Keep shining brightly!” “We believe in you!” were some of the words that decorated the cards. Hearts, smiley faces, animals and even pictures of themselves were drawn by people of all ages.
As was so in the past few years, I still found it a struggle to comprehend how anyone could walk past, either ignoring our invitation, saying they were too busy, or just outright refusing, even though we were clear that it would cost them nothing but a moment of their time. Imagine, if it was their child or grandchild. At those moments, I had to step away, take a breath and compose myself and sometimes muzzle myself so I didn’t say something I would regret. Once again, I remembered a conversation I had the first time with Sara’s mother, sister, and grandmother who all ‘woman’ the table. If it was hard for me, I can only imagine how it is for them. They are somehow able to accept that people make their own choices. The good news is that thousands of people do say yes. A veritable Benneton commercial as I think of it, of people from various cultures, speaking different languages and sharing the universal language that comes from an open heart, streamed through and wrote sweet messages. Some had lost loved ones to cancer, some had healed from it themselves. I was most moved by parents who asked their children to sign the cards, draw pictures, share the love with a child who was sick. A couple signed a card and offered “Love from Egypt (where he hailed from) and Russia (where she came from).” That lifted my spirits too.
An amazing cosmic coincidence occurred four years ago. One of my childhood icons was Gene London (an entertainer and artist who hosted a morning show from 1959-1977). He is now a fashion designer and was a guest at the Flower Show in 2015. Of course, I had to meet him, since I was enamored of him back then and my Brownie troop had visited the set. I remember sitting, spellbound on the floor as he told stories and drew pictures. I walked over to the area where he was signing autographs. I was accompanied by 13-year-old Jacob Chase who wanted an autograph for his grandmother. I asked if I could take his photo with Gene. I posted it on Facebook and within a short time, I received a message from my son’s girlfriend (now wife) who said with delight, “Jacob was one of my students!” Lauren has been a teacher for many years.
Photo credit: Edie Weinstein
This year, the story continued as Jacob showed up again, as his mother Gail Chase (she is flower bedecked in the first photo) is a volunteer as well. I asked if we could surprise Lauren again with another picture. He happily agreed. This now 17-year-old young man made the Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, is a Junior Firefighter and Eagle Scout.
Photo credit: Edie Weinstein
The Sara’s Smiles table will be at the Flower Show through March 10th. If you are in the area and attend, be sure to stop by their table.
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Feature photo credit: Jacob Chase
About Edie Weinstein
Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a colorfully creative journalist, inspiring transformational speaker, licensed social worker, interfaith minister, editor, radio host, BLISS coach, event producer, certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Cosmic Concierge, the author of The Bliss Mistress Guide To Transforming The Ordinary Into The Extraordinary and co-author of Embraced By the Divine: The Emerging Woman’s Gateway to Power, Passion and Purpose. She has also contributed to several anthologies and personal growth books. Edie has interviewed such notables as Ram Dass, Wayne Dyer, Debbie Ford, don Miguel Ruiz, don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. Marianne Williamson, Louise Hay, Grover Washington, Jr. Noah Levine, Shirley MacLaine, Dennis Weaver, Ben and Jerry and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She calls herself an Opti-mystic who sees the world through the eyes of possibility. Edie writes for The Huffington Post, Psych Central, Beliefnet, Elephant Journal, The Good Men Project, Expanded Family, Meaningful Mom, Happenings Media, as well as a growing number of other venues. Edie is the founder of Hug Mobsters Armed With Love, which offers FREE HUGS events on a planned and spontaneous basis. www.opti-mystical.com
