Parishioner Spotlight: MOM Wishing Widows Well
At St. Michael, we are blessed to have parishioners who go above and beyond to make a difference in our community. One such inspiring initiative is MOM Wishing Widows Well, a heartfelt outreach program started by Marie, one of our dedicated parishioners. We recently had the privilege to learn more from Marie about this beautiful mission and how it touches lives. Here’s what we discovered.
THE HEART OF MOM WISHING WIDOWS WELL
Marie’s journey with MOM Wishing Widows Well began after she moved to Cary and became more involved in the parish community. Seeing the need for connection among widows and individuals living alone, Marie started by delivering simple acts of kindness, mostly small gifts like plants—to those in need. What began as a personal gesture quickly blossomed into a full-fledged initiative touching over 1,100 lives.
“It’s about showing that someone cares,” Marie shared with us. “Valentine’s Day, especially, is a powerful day for connection. It reminds people they are not alone, and that love, and care transcend beyond relationships.”
MISSION AND GROWTH
The mission of MOM Wishing Widows Well is simple yet profound: to bring joy and connection to those who might otherwise feel isolated. From humble beginnings—delivering a few bouquets and plants—to organizing plant sales and volunteer-driven floral arrangements, Marie and her team have steadily grown the program, meeting a greater need with each passing year.
Marie explained, “It’s not just about the flowers. It’s about seeing the smiles, the tears, and the stories that come with each delivery. It’s about creating moments where people feel seen and loved.”
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Like any grassroots initiative, MOM Wishing Widows Well has faced its share of challenges. Funding has been a hurdle, but with the generosity of the community, both financially and through volunteerism, they’ve been able to continue spreading kindness.
“Securing consistent support is key,” Marie noted. “But every little act, whether donating a dollar or giving an hour of your time, contributes to something bigger.”
THE IMPACT
Marie shared a touching story of one volunteer delivering a plant to a young widow with three children. After hearing her story, the volunteer offered comfort and support, leading to an emotional embrace and shared tears. These moments illustrate the deep impact MOM Wishing Widows Well has on individuals, creating bonds where loneliness once resided.
“It’s the connections—those moments of genuine care—that make this worthwhile,” Marie reflected. “It’s about reminding people that they are loved, and that they are never truly alone.”
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
MOM Wishing Widows Well continues to grow, but Marie knows that the heart of the program lies in community involvement. Whether it is helping with arranging flowers, delivering them, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to contribute.
“Volunteers are the backbone of what we do,” Marie emphasized. “Every effort counts, and together, we can touch even more lives.”
To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit: www.momwishingwidowswell.com. You can also contact Marie directly at marie@momwishingwidowswell.com or by phone at 984-308-3228. Your support, time, and efforts will help bring joy and connection to so many.
As we conclude, Marie left us with a final thought: “Love and kindness are the simplest yet most powerful gifts we can give. It’s through these small acts that we build a more connected, caring community.”
We’re proud to spotlight the work of Marie and MOM Wishing Widows Well, and we invite all parishioners to consider how they can contribute to this meaningful mission. Together, we can make a difference.