Brandy Snifter Rose

      The rose just brought back another oh so sweet memory! It was late June of 1984 and the Roswell Park gang – where I was no longer working but Hubby was, wanted to give us a baby shower. And you know when groups pool funds, there are some really awesome gifts. There was also a luncheon involved. People, presents, food, excitement, Hubby surrounded by friends who were clearly big fans of his, and me two weeks overdue and feeling as big as a box store.

        When all the food was eaten and speeches given and presents opened and fears put to rest when folks found out I was two weeks overdue and out in public at great risk for delivering at any moment, Dr. Oliver Roholt, an elderly immunology research scientist in the department walked up to me with a brandy snifter!

        In the brandy snifter was about a cup of water.

        And floating on the water in the brandy snifter was a single rose.

       Dr. Roholt said that at times like these, it is important for the mother-to-be to receive a gift also.

       And it is important for the mother-to-be to feel pretty.

      The rose was for me.

      And he hoped the rose would make me feel pretty.

      Oh my gosh that was so incredibly special!

      Ever since then, when I am not in a last minute hurry to get a baby shower gift, I try to remember the rose. Sometimes I get a planter with tea roses so they can go in the garden to always remind the mom of her baby shower gift, and sometimes I get a bouquet of flowers and let the mom know this is her moment also. But truth be told, I am almost always in a hurry and I forget the rose memory and end up getting a book for the baby. I need to have a supply of brandy snifters on hand so I can follow Dr. Roholt's beautiful example of how to make a mom-to-be feel really good!

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