CREVE COEUR, Mo. — In the heart of Evelyn's House, a hospice facility dedicated to providing comfort in life's final moments, resides 79-year-old Anne Hensley, affectionately dubbed the "flower lady" by staff and patients alike.
Anne's affinity for flowers traces back to her childhood, where she recalls fond memories of picking and selling whatever she could find. Her lifelong passion for floral artistry has since blossomed into a symbol of solace and compassion within the halls of Evelyn's House.
As Lead Chaplain Hamish Seegers reflects, the atmosphere at Evelyn's House transcends traditional notions of sadness.
"I would not describe it as sadness," he said. "I say it as an opportunity, an opportunity to be able to say and do the things that you need to do with the end of life."
For Anne, her role as the "flower lady" is more than just arranging bouquets; it's a labor of love rooted in empathy and understanding.
"Having something alive and pretty in their room brings joy," she said, emphasizing the importance of her floral creations in brightening the spirits of patients.
Dedicated nurses like Tiffaney Hardy acknowledge the profound impact of Anne's gestures.
"Our volunteers encompass everything that Evelyn's House is," she said. "They're our heart."
Anne's journey from grief to service underscores the resilience of the human spirit.
"We're all in this together," she said, echoing the sentiment of camaraderie and compassion that permeates Evelyn's House.
In Anne Hensley's garden of compassion, every bouquet serves as a silent messenger of love and connection, offering comfort and solace to those navigating life's final chapters. As Lead Chaplain Hamish Seegers aptly sums up, "They know that they are heard, respected, and loved."
A testament to the enduring impact of Anne's selfless dedication.