Chicago - May 02, 2005

Mama Said ...

Urban Meadows Florist

Sit up straight. Clean your plate. Get that finger out of your nose.

Back then, it seemed like nagging. Now you realize it was wisdom. Actually, most of what your mother told you (and told you and told you and told you) has made you a better person.

So this Mom’s Day, show her how good you are: Don’t give her just any old flowers. Send her blooms that benefit a worthy cause.

Urban Meadows, the city’s only nonprofit florist, is also a psychiatric rehab program run by Thresholds Rehabilitation Industries, created to help people with mental illnesses. From flower design to delivery and sales expertise, participants gain vocational training and experience, developing self-sufficiency and self-esteem along the way.

All that plus Urban Meadows delivers anywhere in the Chicagoland area, including the burbs — a fact that should cause Mom’s eyebrows to shoot up in happy surprise.

Though hopefully not too high. Wouldn’t want her face to freeze like that.

Urban Meadows, 120 South LaSalle Street, between Monroe and Adams Streets (312-377-3993 or urbanmeadows.org).