Flowers, Not Weeds

This image of dandelions was photographed by Frank Nicholas, former artistic director at Leo Burnett USA advertising agency. Frank currently serves on our Board.

This image reflects the philosophy of Sister Juanita Ujcik, OSF – the author of Let None Walk Alone – a guide for family and friends of incarcerated people. Sister Juanita compares much of society’s view of the incarcerated to their view of dandelions – weeds to be hidden or eradicated. “Money is spent to keep them out of sight.”

Sister Juanita, a Franciscan sister, says that St. Francis “didn’t see weeds. Instead, he saw flowers.” In her book, she says dandelions seen as flowers can be beautiful. “From green fields, they burst forth in the color or the sun. Often these make up the first bouquets children give to their parents. These lovely flowers can be fermented into dandelion wine, which lifts the spirit to joy. In the Spring, dandelion leaves can be picked and made into delicious salads. You can order one of these radicchio salads in many fine restaurants.”

Sister Juanita concludes that “If people we care about are thought of as weeds, we shouldn’t just mow them over and forget them. It is our job to help them become the flowers, salads, or wine they are meant to be.”

Sister Juanita’s book can be purchased directly from the Resources section of our website.