Army veteran Earl Rogers was delighted with a surprise delivery to his hospital room Tuesday: two Girl Scouts, a bouquet of flowers and a smile.
As part of online flower company Teleflora's 17th annual "Make Someone Smile" week, volunteers across Los Angeles have been working to deliver 27,000 bouquets to those who could use a pleasant surprise. Among them are veterans like Rogers at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Rogers, who is being treated for respiratory issues, says he was never the same after he returned from the Vietnam War. He found it hard to fit in once he came home, carrying emotional wounds that were even harder to overcome than the physical ones.
But the surprise Tuesday helped Rogers feel special and a little less lonely.
Girl Scout Dominique Vasquez said she was happy to know that she could bring the veterans some joy, even amid their pain.
"You made me smile just (by) coming," Rogers told the Girl Scouts when they arrived.
For former airman Dennis Dickson, the Girl Scouts sparked a smile by showing just how much things have changed for veterans.
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"When I first came back people were spitting in my face and calling me a baby killer," Dickson said. "It's really a great honor to be recognized."
In return, the girls bringing the flowers learned how to give, how to listen and just how much empathy can make a difference.
