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Bridge walker travels miles, delivers smiles
By Franklin Hayes Splash! Magazine
 | | Franklin Hayes/Splash! Jason Abbott is quickly becoming a welcome sight on the three mile bridge, in downtown Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach. |
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Anyone traversing the threemile bridge during mid-day is likely to have seen an amicable young man, bouncing happily to music flowing through his headphones, carrying a bundle of roses. An inquisitive mind may wonder 'I see this guy everyday, what is he doing?'
"We get four or five phone calls every day asking who he is. He's a very happy soul," said Flowerama manager Susan Mitchell.
His name is Jason Abbott, and he says he's doing the work God wants him to do, spreading joy and happiness to people who need it most.
Abbott lives on North Barcelona Street in Pensacola and walks from the downtown area, across the three-mile bridge, through Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach and then back everyday, rain or shine. During this daily trip of close to 20 miles, Abbott stops at Flowerama in Gulf Breeze to buy roses or carnations. The 28-year-old said he prays for God to guide him to someone's home that needs to be blessed and then leaves flowers on their doorsteps, hoping it will brighten their day.
"I just do it for the Lord," says Abbott, who finds great joy in his charity. "What I do is based on my walk with the Lord. I'm not trying to get credit for it, I'm just trying to have a better life. The Lord has bettered my life, so I want to return that grace to other people. Trying to be a Christian is difficult, but it brings great joy and peace to my heart.Without Jesus in my life, I wouldn't be able to do anything."
In addition to his daily deliveries, Abbott visits his mother who works and lives on Pensacola Beach.
"He's got a loving heart and he always shows up with flowers for me - every time he comes to visit he brings me a rose. It's nice to be thought of in that way, to be blessed. He always has an encouraging word to say. He always tells me he's just doing the work of the Lord. He says, 'Instead of just taking from society, I'm giving back.' He's a very special kid," Denise Abbott said. "Everybody wonders, 'who is he? Why is he always looking up to the sky?' He always looks up because he has to, it's his neck, he can't straighten it."
His mother commented that he is disabled and does not work because of a pinched nerve or muscle in his neck. Abbott is not entirely sure what caused the condition, but says it may have occurred when he tripped and fell over a year ago. Abbott said her son does not have medical insurance and cannot afford to have the problem corrected.
Even if you don't believe in karma, sometimes it can be hard to ignore that "what goes around, comes around."
Jason Abbott is living proof of that theory.
Gulf Breeze News became aware of his touching story and featured Abbott on the front page of the Aug. 10 edition. The community responded positively to the article as doctors offered their services free of charge and residents donated money for his flowers. Abbott takes the attention in stride and doesn't miss a day of his charitable deliveries.
"I'm just trying to do what I can. I'm not trying to glorify myself; I'm just trying to be a humble servant for the Lord," Abbott said. "I'm just a typical sinner like anybody else and I'm grateful that I can spread love and joy just like anybody else."
Dr. Shawna Hogan, who runs the East Hill Chiropractic Center in Pensacola, is one of several medical professionals willing to provide free therapeutic services to Abbott. Hogan said she wants to donate an examination, including X-rays, to evaluate his range of motion.
"We would also look into giving him an adjustment. That would get some mobility back in the spine and give him some pain relief," Hogan said. "We wanted to see about donating our services to make him a little more comfortable. This is more about him. We're not looking for publicity, we just want to help him out."
SunTrust Bank and Gulf Breeze News are endeavoring to establish a medical account for Jason as well. Floral arrangers in Gulf
Breeze say they look forward to seeing Abbott daily and can count on him to come in with a smile, in spite of 90-degree temperatures or soaking summer rainstorms.
"He says he just does this to make people feel good, I don't think he does it for any kind of attention," said Jennifer Musil, an employee at the flower shop who sells Abbott his daily supply of a dozen flowers.
Employees at the boutique reported an influx of inquiries
about Abbott and also said customers have donated close to $180 for his floral purchases.
"We actually had a couple come in and ask us if we delivered flowers to them. (We didn't.) We showed them the article and they were so moved that they donated $50," said Flowerama employee Jennifer Musil. "I think anyone who comes in contact with him is touched in some way. It's like a chain reaction."
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