Nana's Story

The year 2020 was life altering for many people due to Covid-19. The first week of January my husband, Darren, and I tested positive for Covid-19.  Our son and daughter, who are both in the medical field, had us do everything that was medically available at the time. On January 10, Darren was admitted to the hospital with low oxygen and placed on BiPAP. We were not allowed to see him, but Facetimed and called several times a day. A week later he was put on a ventilator and his condition was up and down. During this time we called and the nurse would put the phone near him. On January 27, the love of my life of 34 years passed away. 

Shortly later, I sold our home in Conway, SC, moved in with my daughter and her family, and retired from teaching at the end of the school year. My life was in a tailspin. I had no idea what this new life would be, but my God did. One night at midnight while talking to God, I asked, "What can I do? It is not good for my mental and emotional health to not have something constructive to do." God reminded me that I loved to create and decorate, something that I had done as prom advisor for over 20+ years. He also gave me the scripture, Proverbs 16:27, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece." Out of this precious exchange, "Nana's Busy Hands" was created. I started making a variety of crafts, created a Facebook page, and attended numerous festivals. As Christmas approached, I received numerous requests to make cemetery arrangements and discovered that I loved creating arrangements. 

Several friends suggested that I should open a florist. I was not confident working with live flowers and especially running a "real" business. The idea of providing a service to our small town was intriguing, but FEAR reared its impeding head. I asked God that if it was His will for me to open a florist that I needed a clear path. Well, He provided an unexpected, perfect location with a wonderful proprietor, an experienced mentor, industrial refrigeration from a local business, and a wonderful group of family and friends as prayer-warriors and cheerleaders. On February 11, 2023, Nana's Busy Hands Florals and Décor, LLC opened its doors. My first purchase of live flowers was for Valentines' Day and totaled nearly $1,000.00. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared for a moment, but I knew deep down that God had me and this shop. An employee at the wholesale store asked, "How long have you been doing flowers?" I replied, "Real flowers? Today." He replied surprisingly, "Wow! and you are opening Valentines' Day." Obviously, he didn't know who was backing me. I purchased 300 roses and sold all of them without having any initial orders. 

Nana's Busy Hands Floral & Décor, LLC is not just a store. It is a testament that "God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). God has provided me the opportunity to comfort those who walk into the store during their rawest grief and the ability to create beautiful memorials to honor their loved ones. Through my loss, I have gained strength and renewed hope of a new life. Never to forget my forever love, but to live, to make new memories, to make a difference, to challenge myself, and to live until I am called to my forever home and reunited with those whom I have lost.