Don't get me wrong. I love the "love" produced by February 14th each year. I "love" the flowers that fade within a week after we receive them. I love them so much that a humongous bouquet of dried roses and hydrangeas gracing an antique basket I've "loved" for over 20 years. At one time, I really "loved" the heart-shaped boxes filled with Russell Stover's surprise confections, too. I treasure the "love" cards so much that I saved them in boxes to read and re-read through the years. I can't help it. I was taught to save, keep, and hoard. I could blame my my step-mother for my pack-rat penchant. Actually, I have no one to blame but myself for the items I cling to and store. I can't tell you how relieved I am that I got rid of nearly 90% of the thousands of items I considered "worthy" of collecting during my 63-plus year lifetime. In my stash, I found multiple childhood trinkets and doo-dads...a set of tiny silver guns once tucked inside the holster's of cow-girl boots I wore as a five-year-old child. In my mind, these are cloaked in "love" memories. Many folks are attached to "things"-- because of memories the "thing" invokes. I will still store things my son gave his two little girls before he died so they can have them when they are older. Things they are free to keep or give away.
But, let me tell you of the "love" I discovered as I did let go of things during my estate sale. A little boy (about 7), came and gathered a bunch of girly toys from our garage as my husband was preparing for the sale. He was visiting his grampa across the street. He asked how much we wanted. I told him "free", and he was thrilled. It turned out, he was getting them for his little three-year-old "cousin" who was also visiting his grampa. Love. While I had lots of items he could have found for himself, he was looking for his cousin.
One lady found a painting of two little girls holding hands on a bridge. I'd painted the picture years ago in remembrance of a friend I had. I'd priced it far above the paint and canvas value because I toyed with sending it to the friend who had inspired my painting. I considered not dropping the price, then she said, "It speaks to me. It reminds me of my sister and me." Immediately I knew she would appreciate that painting for years upon years, because of the love she had in her heart for her sister. I reduced the price and she took it home with her. When that lady asked what I'd take for the painting, I was surprised to see it in her hands. I really didn't expect to sell it. We never think our renderings are valuable to anyone, at least I don't.
I could tell you more stories, but my word-count is running out and I want to share a special thankyou to Mildred King and her sweet dear husband. You see, Mildred's hubby came by my sale because I'd told ya'll to drop by and see me. That was his sole purpose for coming. He told me how much he enjoyed my column. He told me his dear wife had once written for The County Times, but she could no longer keep up due to her health. It meant so much to me to know that not only did she like my column, but her hubby was kind enough to come by and say hello. Another nameless lady, told me the same thing as she was leaving the sale. These encouragements came at a time, I was considering letting go of this writing commitment. May the love you give and receive, far exceed the Valentines you give this week. May your words encourage someone as much as these have encouraged me. Happy Valentine's Day!
Comments