Sunday, October 12, 2008

~Classic Love Story~

I met this beautiful young couple the year I did my very first show: Yankee Peddler Festival 1990. They selected one of my large Ragamuffin dolls, and they asked me if I would sign it for them. I can remember how they looked. The smiles on their faces. I could tell how much they loved each other. It was all there. Shining.

I saw them again, each year. Standing there with their most recent purchase. Waiting, patiently, for me to sign their newest “baby”.

I thought about them often. There was something about the two of them that touched me. I couldn’t get them out of my mind.

I continued seeing Mel and Garry through the years. This happy young couple seemed to become happier together with each passing year. One day, I received a beautiful pillow from Mel. She made it herself. I cried. It’s on the sofa in my living room. It will always be there, where I can see it. And then one day, Mel began doing shows! When I saw her booth at EJ Thomas’ Christmas Show, I knew she had ‘arrived’. Her booth was filled with pillows and dolls. Dolls!! They were all so “Mel”. She was so happy. Smiling. Shining.

Then one day, she and Garry got “called” to China. By a little girl they named appropriately, Hope. They were in their glory, raising this precious gift. Their “baby”. And then came another “call”. Her name is Claire.

They arrived on Saturday, and stood in the middle of my booth. I couldn’t believe it. There they were. The four of them. Years later. Just like they had always been. Happy. Smiling. The difference this time was huge. Not only were the two of them smiling, but there were two precious china dolls smiling along with them. All of them, together, shining. Their smiles were bright enough to light up the world. Mel and Garry plus two!

What I haven’t told you about Mel, is that she has incredible faith. Perhaps greater faith than anyone I have ever met. Ever. And that faith is something I have always admired. It’s just ‘there’. You can’t see it, but you can ‘taste’ it. It’s like an elixir that encompasses the air around her. Even when you aren’t in her physical presence. It’s there. Hovering.

A while back, I wrote a post called, My Mother's Smile. I talked about how Wendy's Frosties is one of the few things that makes my mother (who has alzheimer's) smile. Mel and the girls were at Wendy's shortly afterward, when Hope noticed writing on the side of her bag of French fries, and asked Mel to read it to her. It said: “It’s impossible to frown while eating a Frosty.”

Back to Saturday: Mel handed me a beautiful gift bag. Inside, was a pillow she had made for me. And there, embroidered in the center, “It’s impossible to frown while eating a Frosty.”! I cried. Mel cried. I will treasure it always. It has a place of honor in the living room. On the sofa. Next to the other pillow I treasure. Just like her!
And the cardinals on the border fabric: that’s a story for another day!

Have a glorious week, wherever you are, whatever you do. Be sure
to notice all ‘treasures’ in your life. You'll find them everywhere!

19 comments:

Jules~ said...

What a beautiful post! I so enjoyed my walk with you as I met your friends and traveled through time.
Isn't amazing how God has those faith filled people placed strategicly all around?
I am reading The Shack right now and is it daring me to think of God in such a more intimate way.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Carol,
What beautiful pillows surely made from the heart.
I love reading your posts they are always so heartfelt. You are indeed a blessing my sister to all whom you meet..

Hugz Lorie

Lanyardlady said...

such a sweet story. thanks for sharing and reminding us that the human spirit is the most powerful force in the universe.

Anonymous said...

Carol-
You share so very many gifts with others, but one of the greatest is that of friendship. Those of us who count you as our friend are truly blessed!
Love,
Kathi

Rosebud Collection said...

What a wonderful, wonderful blog..To know people like this is a gift..You have a beautiful treasure and what lovely work she does..But I always think God sends us these people, especially when we are going through trying times..

Mel said...

Mel is sobbing now...we really need to buy stock in Kleenex or Puffs. Thank you as always...you are now and will always be one of my precious gifts from God. Now stop making me cry...HUGS!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post about an extraordinary woman! I'm blessed to have Mel in my life, her faith and love is truly touching!

Martha said...

Carol -

What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this friendship with us! You are a blessing and I am so proud to be able to call you my friend!!

Anonymous said...

Carol, thank you once again for sharing your heart and soul. Thank God for people like Mel and Garry .... and you!

Jennifer said...

What lovely pillows!

I gave your blog an award. You can check it out on my blog!

XUE said...

thank you for this wonderful tale. i do wish Mel, Gerry, Hope & Claire happiness always. And you too, for being their good friend.

Ballerina Girl said...

How beautiful is this story Carol
Thank you for sharing these emotions and anecdotes with us.
I hope that you have a beautiful week.
I hope to see those fotos soon!
BG

Anonymous said...

Mel is definitely one of the treasures in my life and your story left me with "wet hair" as I cried at how beautifully you described her. My father recently passed away from Alzheimer's and my thoughts and prayers go with you as well.

Jeff B said...

isn't it great when friends know what will touch our heart?

Mel said...

What Carol forgot to add was that *I* knew I had "arrived" not only when I did the EJ Thomas show...but when my booth was only two away from HERS at the EJ Thomas show. THAT was my defining moment!

Anonymous said...

What a delightful post. I wasn't going to read any posts tonight but I just clicked on yours for some reason. And was greeted by this beautiful story.

You are very talented.

CJ xx

Amy said...

I love this post. I read it three times!!!!!
Amy

Diane said...

What a beautiful story, and a living testiment to God's perfect timing =)
God bless~
xoxox

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Hi Carol!
What a truly wonderful post!
You are so lucky to have such wonderful friends! The pillows are so beautiful and so is your writing!
All the very best!