Remembering Moms Bouquet Outreach Program 2023 Nomination Stories
Mother’s Day is meant to celebrate the moms in our lives. However for those who have experienced loss, celebrating Mother’s Day can be bittersweet. The reality is, not everyone is able to celebrate Mother’s Day with a traditional brunch, greenhouse browsing, or shopping/gift-giving.
Whether it has been a recent loss or many years, we wanted to reach people in our community who could use a smile from someone remembering their mom, so we asked for nominations and received an overwhelming response!
We donated our time and materials for 7 bouquets to honor moms in our community for our second annual “Remembering Moms” Bouquet Outreach Program. The bouquets were delivered the week before Mother’s Day. We are delighted to share the wonderful memories of the selected nominees!
Read all the stories below of our 2023 nominees!
For Carrie Torgeson, in memory of Marilyn Pelto
Nomination from Carrie’s Girls:
Our mom lost her mom about 3 months ago. Our grandma lived with our parents for 15+ years and our mom was her primary caregiver. While this was no easy task, she gave it her all while still being an amazing, selfless mom and Grandma to all of her girls. While the thought of losing a mom is unimaginable, she navigated her loss all while checking in to be sure everyone else was doing okay. These last few months have been full of change as our parents are officially empty nesters after 37 years of housing their girls, Grandma, and their girls families (a few different times and sometimes all at once). There was never a “no you’re crazy please go rent an apartment.” It was always, “yep, we’ll figure it out.” There’s always lots of love, snacks, and a decent amount of chaos when a visit to “Amma & Bumpas” house is on the agenda, but she’ll tell you she wouldn’t have it any other way.
For Katie Rodel, in memory of Marge Stewart
Nomination from Molly Solberg:
Katie just lost her Mom to ALS, a brutal disease. She spent as much time as she could traveling to see her to help her and her Dad. I lost my mother to ALS so it was hard to see another close friend have to go through it. I was nominated and received a beautiful bouquet from For Floral Sake and it meant so much to me. It will be Katie's first Mother's Day without her Mom and one week after her mother's celebration of life.
For Kaelynn Boles, in
memory of Kim Fisk
Nomination from Eleisa Boles:
The reason I am nominating my mom is because while going through the loss of her mom, she was still able to be there for her children. The loss of a parent, especially a mother, is life changing. My mom is one of the strongest people I know and deserves this. A story that I continue to remember of my mom and grandma is the constant phone calls between them. My mom and grandma talked on the phone daily, and I now talk to my mom on the phone daily. I want to thank her for being the best mother to not only her children, but to our significant others as well. I love you always mom, and your mom loves you from above. Happy Mothers Day
For Dave Hagen, in memory of Colleen Hagen
Nomination from anonymous:
Colleen touched the life of whoever her path crossed. Her outreach, pie making skills and sweet nature were appreciated by many. She obtained her thoughtful nature from her mother Evelyn, who passed just recently at 107 years of age. Both of these ladies star in fond memories and are continuously deeply missed.
For Michelle Kilroy, in memory of Dot Berggren
Nomination from Kari Bulthuis:
Sadly Michelle lost her beautiful Mom Dot this past December. Dot was an incredible mother and Nana who was always there to support and cheer on her family. She exuded love, kindness and joy. She is remembered daily and will be missed always.
For Amy Kirk, in memory of Nancy Winkels
Nomination from anonymous:
My mom, Amy, lost her mom when she was 16. Her mom , Nancy, died of cancer when she was only 43. I never got to meet my Grandma. My mom has told me lots of things about her and has carried on some of the traditions my Grandma started. I love my mom so much and I know Mothers Day can be difficult sometimes. I can’t be with my mom for Mothers Day because I’m away at college. I know this bouquet would brighten her day!
For Jeanne Fleck, in memory of Marge Larson
Nomination from Stephanie Jahn:
I nominate my mom Jeanne! She has followed the path of kindness that my Gma Larson instilled. She is always working to help others. She donates much of her time to help coach voluntarily. She is an amazing Gma and even better mother! Through my health struggles or unexpected mishaps she is the first to step in and help! This hold true to anyone she comes in contact with!
