Am I being petty?

An employee’s nephew died because his parachute didn’t open. Employee was distraught. 2nd employee asked if company can send flowers to employee. I’m the manager and said flowers perish, I believe better to send gift to a charity nephew believed in. It would reap a better result. Employee sent flowers anyway on behalf of the company. They paid for it.

I’m making this mean the employee is not listening to me, they won’t follow my instructions on other things.

My instructions are not valued. Help please to think differently. Thanks.