

The Sweet Frangrance Story
Have you ever walked down a lane or in a garden when plumeria’s are blooming? The sun warms the flowers, and the fragrance fills the air. Even if you can’t see the tree or flowers, the makani (wind) fills the air with a sweetness that’s hard to describe but lasts in your memory forever.
Sometimes, the simplest act of kindness can have an impact and “sweeten the air” for someone far beyond what you could imagine.
When I was 8 years old, in the midst of deep fear, a nurse showed me kindness that impacted me so deeply, I can still see her face. I doubt she had any idea how much her actions would still touch me over 50 years later.
- the rest of the story -
When I was born, it was quickly noticeable to my parents that my eyes had a problem. I have strabismus which means my eyes work independently. I’ve had 6 corrective surgeries, the first one by age one. At that time, this procedure was brand new. In fact, I had one of the pioneer surgeons for 3 of my surgeries at Stanford University. I’ve been told that, without these surgeries, I would look cross-eyed and be blind in one eye.
I clearly remember three of my childhood surgeries. It was an uncomfortable recovery, but the hospital stay was especially scary as parents weren’t allowed to stay with their children overnight back in those days.
I always had to check in the day before the surgery. As my mom said goodby and left, a deep dread came over me. Nighttime was the worst. All the other children on the ward were asleep, but I laid wide awake. My nurse kept checking on me, trying to reassure me but I couldn’t sleep. Then, she did something surprising I have never forgotten.
She had me get out of bed, and walked me down to the nurses station. I was afraid she was going to give me a shot. Instead, she showed me around, and then she pulled up a chair, raised it so I could reach the desk, gave me a big pad of paper AND one of those pens you could click to change colors - black, blue, green, and red. She said I could sit with her as she worked and draw for as long as I wanted to.
It was a simple act. But it had a huge impact. I felt secure, cared about, relieved, and “grown up” sitting with the nurses. I will never forget her kindness, or her face.
Sometimes, we are so in need of love ourselves, we can’t even think of showing love to others (if this is the case for you I hope you’ll check out the story “You are Loved” with the artwork "Hawaiian Heart" on the artliftinghearts website).
But most of the time, stopping to feel empathy and coming up with a kind action can often feel like an inconvenience. We may think it’s too costly, or we question whether the thing we might do is really very important. Often we think about it so long, the opportunity is gone.
Like the fragrance of the plumeria, acts of kindness have a way of impacting a person’s life far beyond the initial action. Having empathy for the pain or struggles of others, and offering kindness - even if it’s small and quick and we never see that person again, can have an impact bigger than we can even imagine.
I was recently traveling home from a trip to see my grandkids. I had made a mistake in my booking and when I checked in, I was told they could not get my bag home with me. After a lot of going back and forth about options, I think the two employees saw the panic in my eyes. They jumped into action to solve the problem, waiving my change fees, changing my reservations and they got me home, with my bag, on a different itinerary, but arriving at the same time I was expecting to get home!!
While they were working on all of this I was holding my breath. When they came to me with the solution and frantically worked on tagging the bag and printing new tickets, I wished I could hug them both. Then I remembered the appreciation cards I was carrying. I picked out two and as they gave me my tickets and told me to RUN to the gate… I handed the cards to them and thanked them again. As I ran… I prayed, “God, let them know how deeply appreciative I am of all their hard work for me.”
Of course, I will never know if, and how those cards impacted either of them. The nurse at the hospital will never know how she impacted me. But like the plumeria, that spreads its fragrance far beyond where you can see it, we too can spread love and kindness far beyond where we can see its impact.
Where can you show an extra bit of kindness, or a have an extra bit of empathy today? May you be a “Sweet Fragrance” to all of those around you.
Did this story encourage you?
If you’d like to share with me how this artwork and story has impacted you, you can use my contact form here. I’d love to hear from you.
An idea to encourage hurting children:
AllEncourage A ChildComfort CardsAppreciation CardsGifts Over TimeLoving Memory cardsBox Of EncApp CardsGifts of EncouragementSweet FragranceMaria's GiftMorning LightA Lizard Named HarryNight DiveAfter The RainRaindrops On OrchidsEncourage-A-Child (5 individual gifts)
$40.00
Do you know a child living in difficult circumstances; a girl or boy who is experiencing loss or grief, severe illness, or other really difficult issues? Have you wondered what you could do that could have significant impact? With the Encourage-A-Child gifts, you can help a child work through and move through the emotions these circumstances create.
Each package has a carefully chosen theme. It includes an item printed with one of my art pieces and a craft or activity that coordinates with the theme. I also include an optional written letter from me, "Aunty Mellie", but you can choose to write your own personalized letter. You are free to copy any of the ideas or specific phrases from my letters.
All 5 gifts will be mailed directly to you in 4 mailers and one tube, ready to mail or hand deliver as you choose. I encourage you to spread these gifts out, giving the child time to process each topic AND to hear regularly from you for a period of time (rather than just once).
Click on "More Details" to download a pdf of the Themes and Items List, and/or samples of my letters.View more details...QuantityComing soon"Loving Memory" Comfort Packs
$12.00 - $30.00
These "Touch of Encouragement" Cards will help you interact gracefully with a bit of comfort for those who are grieving. These convenient, wallet sized (approx. 2 x 3.5 inches), art cards allow you to quickly pass along just a bit of comfort by honoring someone's loved one. Each card is a simple reminder that someone cares - something our world desperately needs.
All of the cards in this set carry the same message: "in Loving Memory."
All sets come in a paper box. A plastic carrying case can be added for $2.00. Case will protect up to 16 cards securely in your purse, backpack or bag.
(Artwork and frame colors may vary slightly.)SelectSelectQuantityComing soonTouch of Encouragement - Faith-based Comfort Packs
$12.00 - $30.00
These "Touch of Encouragement" Cards will help you offer love and touch the heart of someone facing tough times. These convenient, wallet sized (approx. 2 x 3.5 inches), art cards allow you to quickly pass along comfort from a biblical perspective in the moment. Each card is a simple reminder that someone cares - something our world desperately needs.
See the actual content messages from the reverse side of the cards under "View more details..."
All sets come in a paper box. A plastic carrying case can be added for $2.00. Case will protect up to 16 cards securely in your purse, backpack or bag.
(Artwork, frame colors and content messages may vary slightly.)View more details...SelectSelectQuantityComing soonTouch of Encouragement - Appreciation Packs
$12.00 - $30.00
These "Touch of Encouragement" Cards will help you interact with those who serve you throughout your day with a touch of appreciation. These convenient, wallet sized (approx. 2 x 3.5 inches), art cards allow you to quickly pass along just a bit of gratitude in the moment. Each card is a simple reminder that someone cares - something our world desperately needs.
This Appreciation set offers creative thank-you's for the people who bless you in small and great ways throughout your day.
See the actual content messages from the reverse side of the cards under "View more details..."
All sets come in a paper box. A plastic carrying case can be added for $2.00. Case will protect up to 16 cards securely in your purse, backpack or bag.
(Artwork, frame colors and content messages may vary slightly.)View more details...SelectSelectQuantityComing soonTouch of Encouragement - General Comfort Packs
$12.00 - $28.00
These "Touch of Encouragement" Cards will help you touch the heart of people facing tough times with a bit of comfort. These convenient, wallet sized (approx. 2 x 3.5 inches), art cards allow you to quickly pass along a little comfort in the moment. Each card is a simple reminder that someone cares - something our world desperately needs.
See the actual content messages from the reverse side of the cards under "View more details..."
All sets come in a paper box. A plastic carrying case can be added for $2.00. Case will protect up to 16 cards securely in your purse, backpack or bag.
(Artwork, frame colors and content messages may vary slightly.)View more details...SelectSelectQuantityComing soonBox of Encouragement
$20.00
Sometimes people around us struggle for a long time through loss, illness, or isolation. It’s these times they need daily encouragement and a reminder they are not forgotten.
I have designed, cut and assembled these boxes myself. They are made of 110lb Pearlized cover cardstock and lined with 60lb cardstock (lining colors may vary slightly from picture). Each one features a print of my artwork on the lid. They are filled with 21 cut and folded cardstock strips ready for you to personalize with notes of encouragement.
For 3 weeks your loved one can open a note and be encouraged and reminded that you love them. Click "View more details" for ideas in writing your notes and a link to the story behind this unique gift item.View more details...SelectQuantityComing soonLoyal Comforter Gift Set ("You Are Loved" - Pink Orchids)
$65.00
Do you have a friend or loved one who is facing difficult, long term struggles? Would you like to show them you are willing to stick by their side through it all? This ensemble of gifts is designed to be given over time, offering comfort and assurance of your love over time. Though matching in design, each one is an individual gift with a matching card - five gifts in all, that can be given at whatever time interval you deem best. Whether weekly, monthly or other interval, your loved one will be assured of and comforted by your loyal presence in their life.
(see the More Details section below for item descriptions)View more details...QuantityComing soonLoyal Comforter Gift Set ("You Are Remembered" - Green Ferns)
$65.00
Do you have a friend or loved one who is facing difficult, long term struggles? Would you like to show them you are willing to stick by their side through it all? This ensemble of gifts is designed to be given over time, offering comfort and assurance of your love over time. Though matching in design, each one is an individual gift with a matching card - five gifts in all, that can be given at whatever time interval you deem best. Whether weekly, monthly or other interval, your loved one will be assured of and comforted by your loyal presence in their life.
(see the More Details section below for item descriptions)View more details...QuantityComing soonGift Certificates
$30.00 - $300.00
Send the gift of art! Beauty and encouragement to enrich the life of someone you love!
After purchase we will email you a certificate which you can print or forward by email (usually sent within 24 hours).SelectQuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon12 Christmas Greeting Cards
$29.00
This card set features three unique paintings chosen to provide a little flavor of Christmas in Hawaii. Four of each card and 5x7 envelopes are included in the pack of 12. The inside of each card is blank. Mele Kalikimaka!QuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon12 Hawaii Flower Greeting Cards
$29.00
This card set features six of my favorite flower paintings. Two of each flower card and 5x7 envelopes are included in the pack of 12. The inside of each card is blank.QuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon12 Mahalo Cards
$29.00
This set of thank you cards features three unique paintings to cover a wide range of occasions. Four of each card plus 5x7 envelopes are included in the pack of 12. The inside of each card is blank.QuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon12 Ocean Creatures Greeting Cards
$29.00
This card set features six of my favorite ocean animal paintings. Two of each card and 5x7 envelopes are included in the pack of 12. The inside of each card is blank.QuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon12 Ho'olaule'a Greeting Cards
$29.00
This set of greeting cards features six paintings from my Ho'olaule'a painting series. These exuberant cards are fitting for any life celebration. Two of each card and 5x7 envelopes are included in the pack of 12. The inside of each card is blank.QuantityAll options are out of stockComing soon
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