November 19, 2009

The Hope Chest

Mom called yesterday.  They're dividing everything at my Grandparent's house.  I couldn't help but think of the chest Papaw re-finished.  I sat with him for hours as he labored in the garage.  I loved that chest.  I talked about it so much that my husband bought me one for our first anniversary. 

Papaw was playful and told spellbinding stories. He was so much fun.  I missed saying my last goodbye to him by thirty minutes.

"I got you the chest," Mom said.

I choked. 

She continued, "I don't think they ever used it."  Tears began pouring down my face.  I pictured way Papaw had lovingly cared for it.

Now it's coming to me--a gift from him.  Never used.

I know it's just a thing.

But I can touch it.  And it'll be like touching him again.

2 comments :

  1. Yes, yes, yes. I have my a pair of my father's cufflinks. They weren't even favorites of his. I just remember them always being in a little box on his dresser. They're things, but they make me smile.

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can see why they'd make you smile. And I'm sorry about your father.

    ReplyDelete

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