Heads Up Group Blog Sometimes Artificial is Grand

Sometimes Artificial is GrandBy Lisa ElderI was struck by the value of artificiality last week, while visiting my girlfriend at Princess Margaret Hospital. Nancy had just received infusions of millions of stem cells in her fight against lymphoma. Having had her immune system decimated for the procedure, no fresh flowers were allowed in her room.As I said goodbye, I passed her roommate, who was happily re-arranging artificial tulips in a vase. "Oh," I said. "You're tending to your flowers!" "No, they're not real flowers," she said. "They're plastic."