THIS post comes straight from my heart...
Of all the earthly things I've possessed over the years, one of my favorite THINGS has been our
VINTAGE FRANKLIN WOOD BURNING STOVE.
With the stove being on an inside wall, the flue pipe had to run up the middle of the stove....
which made it very hard to decorate the mantel behind ....
that stove pipe and I have fought round and round about how to decorate the shelf...and .....most of the time...I WON...
I've always had so much fun decorating the shelf in sooo many ways...
loved loved loved this one with the little
WHITE BOO PUMPKINS....
and the vintage ironstone pieces...
A few days after we signed the contract on the CONTINGENCY SALE of our house,
I found myself tearing up every time I walked into the living room....
Even when I told myself....
HEY.....get a grip...
This is just a HOUSE and just look at the beautiful house we are being
handed on a platter.
A gift given to us out of PURE LOVE....!
"SHAME ON YOU !"
I THOUGHT I was going to miss my STOVE...
This beautiful cast iron stove belonged to my mama.
I found myself tearing up every time I walked into the living room....
Even when I told myself....
HEY.....get a grip...
This is just a HOUSE and just look at the beautiful house we are being
handed on a platter.
A gift given to us out of PURE LOVE....!
"SHAME ON YOU !"
This beautiful cast iron stove belonged to my mama.
The old home place was very old and when she decided to move over to be closer to us,
she sold her house to the Episcopal church next door.
The church was going to tear down the old house and use the property for extra parking for their services.
Mr. Sweet took the stove out of the house and we stored it in our garage....
FOR 11 YEARS....
With Mr. Sweet working out of town most of the time during those years,
we just never got the stove installed in our cottage.
One year for a Christmas present to his mama,
our sweet son, DAVID KEITH, said,
"Mom, I don't have any money for Christmas gifts (he was a young married and knee deep in college)
so I would like to install your fireplace for your gift."
I am squalling like a baby just remembering and writing about it.
Such a sweet, tender thing....he knew how much that would mean to me and I'll never forget his tenderness and thoughtfulness and love for the rest of my life.
We had a professional do the installing of the flue and etc.....and my sweet boy did all the
brick work and made it all so pretty.
I can't begin to express the many hours of enjoyment this gift has brought to me.
It belonging to my mother...
my son putting the stove into our house...
there's just so much meaning there for me, I THOUGHT I was sick about leaving IT.
I knew I sounded ungrateful for the most blessed gift he and his family are giving us...
a beautiful house to live in.
I didn't mean that at all.....I will forever be grateful for this beautiful house
that I am growing to love in the week we've been in it...
and, then.....the INFAMOUS LIGHT BULB came on....
that I am growing to love in the week we've been in it...
and, then.....the INFAMOUS LIGHT BULB came on....
It's not really THE STOVE I will be leaving and missing....
it's the deep-seeded memories I have when I just even LOOK at the stove.
The gift of love is ALWAYS there.
I don't HAVE to SEE things to remember the love shared in this house
and this makes my heart swell so big, it almost jumps right out of my body.
Tears are running down into my coffee...
my nose is so stopped up, I may NEVER breath again...
sometimes, it feels like the LOVE will just make you explode.
it's the deep-seeded memories I have when I just even LOOK at the stove.
The gift of love is ALWAYS there.
I don't HAVE to SEE things to remember the love shared in this house
and this makes my heart swell so big, it almost jumps right out of my body.
Tears are running down into my coffee...
my nose is so stopped up, I may NEVER breath again...
sometimes, it feels like the LOVE will just make you explode.
I wouldn't be completely honest if I said that I am not going to miss anything
about our home of almost 40 years.
Of course, I am bound to miss it.
I can still see my sweet girl, STACY LEIGH, sitting on the bar stool by the front window...
watching for the "boy next door" to drive by the house a hundred times a night....and rev his motor
so she'd be SURE to see him....
and watching DAVID make a huge jump on his bike over the large bush in our front yard every day
after school....
OH, YES.....
I can still see my sweet girl, STACY LEIGH, sitting on the bar stool by the front window...
watching for the "boy next door" to drive by the house a hundred times a night....and rev his motor
so she'd be SURE to see him....
and watching DAVID make a huge jump on his bike over the large bush in our front yard every day
after school....
OH, YES.....
There's lots of wonderful memories here but the great thing is that those memories are something
that I will always .....ALWAYS.....have tucked into my heart.
They are all held together with my heart strings and they will be there,
no matter if I NEVER see this house again...or some of the things in it.
OOO, what a blessed and a "WHEW" moment when I realized I wasn't being
ungrateful by saying I would miss these THINGS.
Once I realized it wasn't the things I would miss at all...
and when I realized that I would be taking every single one of the precious memories
WITH me,
all was well with my soul.
All IS well with my soul !!
They are all held together with my heart strings and they will be there,
no matter if I NEVER see this house again...or some of the things in it.
OOO, what a blessed and a "WHEW" moment when I realized I wasn't being
ungrateful by saying I would miss these THINGS.
Once I realized it wasn't the things I would miss at all...
and when I realized that I would be taking every single one of the precious memories
WITH me,
all was well with my soul.
All IS well with my soul !!
This fireplace warmed more than our bodies...
it warmed our souls and spirits..
..
and how wonderful that the warmth will NEVER go away.
The memories won't ever go away because they are GOD-GIVEN memories....
HALLELUJAH ..... !!
The WONDERFUL THING...???
GOD has seen fit to let me live long enuf to make MORE precious memories....
MEMORIES in a new place.....
New memories, being closer to our family...
new memories of the fun times of NESTING and making this new place
OUR HOME.
The reality is that our family loves us and wants things better for us...
a chance to live in such a beautiful, new, AWESOME house that
is so close to all our family....
without the financial burdens that come with owning a house.
The BIGGEST blessing of all.....
seeing our loved ones even more often than before.
O MY !!
without the financial burdens that come with owning a house.
The BIGGEST blessing of all.....
seeing our loved ones even more often than before.
O MY !!
I AM BLESSED.
58 comments:
What a precious post for this Sunday morning. Wish I was there to give you a hug and a hanky to blow your nose.
Have a beautiful day,
Balisha
You ARE so blessed and better still - you KNOW it!!! Life morphs and changes before our very eyes as the years go by......but our memories are still with us to take out and enjoy over and over again!! Aren't you so glad you have your blog and photo history? I love your every post, dear friend! I can tell you and Mr Sweet are enjoying this latest chapter in your life together!
All so true. I have tears in my eyes BJ. Your precious sweet attitude has everything to do with why you are loved by so many. I do love you sweet friend :>) ♥
This is just the best and most true post. I've always loved your cottage too and will love the new one just as much. It's the family that shines through though that makes it most important.
With tears in my eyes I will say this was a beautiful post. I know you will be happy in your new home and will make many wonderful memories there. Have a blessed and wonderful day. Madeline
I can feel your relief as you discovered the permanence of the things that matter! That is a gorgeous stove. Frame a beautiful picture like the ones in your post for your new kitchen or pantry. They look like a still life! I cried while I read this one! Hugs.
This is so true, BJ, and it's a good listen to spread to all of us! Sometimes memories and love are the only things we can hold on to forever. You are truly blessed being so close to your family, that's all I would ever want!
XO,
Jane
You are very WISE and BLESSED! Your new home will also be filled with love and many wonderful memories.
Sometimes those gifts from the heart are the VERY best of all. What a wonderful gift of time and talent from your son. Your memories will remain forever.
Ann
So true, BJ, but your family is blessed to have YOU. How wonderful that you and your children and grandchildren have lives intertwined and are close to each other. What a blessing for each of you. Memories are a wonderful thing. ;-)
such a beautiful post.. till working on receiving that miracle for us.. may your new home and all that enter be blessed. fondly ~lynne~
Wishing you all the best in your new home BJ! Enjoy:@)
The best of all things good is wished for you in your new home!
So beautifully told, BJ. I love that line...your memories are all tied up with heart strings... Many more blessings are coming your way!
Sweet BJ, I love you for so many reasons! Your heart is filled smack to the brim with love and memories! MINE TOO:) I am excited for you to enjoy your new home and memories of the old one! I know that each day is gonna bring you a new smile:) Have a blessed week dear friend, BIG HUGS!
I feel so warm and cozy just looking at these photos!
Oh, BJ! What a lovely post and you have me crying! I'm so happy for you and what a loving family you have. You've wrapped it up so completely - you'll always have the most wonderful memories tucked away in your heart! :)
Love you, my sweet friend,
Shelia ;)
It is so true....memories are what should cherish. You are so blessed. It is normal to feel a little sad about leaving things behind. You have lived there for a very long time. You will have beautiful new memories to add to the older ones.
So beautifully written, Bj, straight from the heart! Your memories are safely tucked away in your heart, and the fun part is you get to take them out ever so often to relish them, through tears, smiles, and laughter.
Thanks for sharing.
BJ,
What a beautiful post about the love of families and precious memories of that family. Wishing you all the best and many more wonderful memories in your new home!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words!!
Hugs,
Deb
Hurry and make some new memories. Be sure to take pictures and you could warn us that we would need a kleenex. :)
Oh you sweet sensitive wonderful lady.
I am bawling with you - your words hit home big time.
I am sending you a huge understanding sisterly loving HUG right now.
That's a long time in one house bj but your memories go wherever you do, and I know you will have lots of photos to look back upon.
It is hard to leave a home that holds so many years of precious memories. It's great that you have so many pictures to look back at, and our hearts are really good at holding memories, too.
I'm sure you'll make wonderful, new memories in your new home. You are blessed to have such loving children. :)
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
I know just how you feel, we are having to move from our home of 10 years, the only home my children have known. None of us wants to move, but its for a job change so we have to go. I am leaving it up to God and asking that he show us the way to make it all work. You are blessed in so many ways, one of which is being able to see the good in your situation. Best of luck in your new home!
What a beautiful post, dear bj, of love, thanks and wonderful memories that are such blessings in your heart and soul. I have many memories etched forever in my heart and soul, too. You'll be making many more happy times in your new home and you're so lucky to have your family close by. God bless you! xo
Oh BJ, you are SO right! We were in our house 29 years. At first it WAS hard, but now we have been here for one year and THIS really feels like home. The bad part is that the old house hasn't SOLD yet, so we are maintaining 2 houses and THAT is taking a toll. But we have our memories too and will always feel the love. XO, Pinky
BJ, So true...sweet, sweet memories! Yes, you are blessed. Good luck with your new home.
Blessings,
Gert
BJ,
This is the sweetest post! I'm so happy for you. Enjoy this new phase of your life, and making new memories.
Blessings,
Kathy
OH-Now you have gone and done it- you have made ME cry because I am a sentimental old fool that holds memories like that close to my heart. I know that your love for family, hearth and home will be with you always no matter where you are keeping. God bless you, bj. I am so excited to hear some of your new memories that will touch your heart in your new home- xo Diana
Sweetheart..you made me cry. You have such a wonderful attitude and outlook and way of looking at things. So positive.
I did go back and look at your beautiful front door and your new home has such GREAT potential and with yours and Mr. Sweet's skills..it will be wonderful watching the two of you pull everything together and make another wonderful home with MORE wonderful memories.
The things and memories you mention that you will surely miss about your home of so many years, but will take with you in your heart, are all the things Howard would have missed after living here for more than 55 years, had I insisted on moving. I am glad we stayed. Howard is a gentle man and change is difficult for him, while I was used to change and starting over in a new home many times. Being a service wife, I never got to bond with any home for long and I longed to do that. That is what I am doing with this little house.
Yours and my situations are so different, but both are getting used to change...and both are doing quite well! :)
You and Mr. Sweet are two of my favorite people even though we have never and no doubt will never meet.
I feel like I know you. I am so happy for you bj!
Big hugs!
Mona
BJ, you do have lots of great memories, memories you will be taking with you! It will be fun to look forward to all the new memories at the new place. God Bless you and your new home! Wishing you a happy week!
Yes, you are so Blessed.
Thank you for sharing your blessings - in the form of memories and objects - so you can teach us in making do with what we have.
You are LOVEd!! And it warms the heart to read this - which must been the BEST post of the year I've read so far.
Thank you!
Teresa
DEAREST BECKY...
I do hope u come back by and see this comment.
My email won't let me SEND (I can receive) and so I'm unable to answer your sweet comment here.
Thanks so much for your story...an inspiration to me.
We are moved and altho still not all straightened up, we are doing good here and love the nice house.
Love, bj
Now you've got ME in tears, too, BJ!
I've moved 7 times over the years & I cried as I left each home...granted, some more than others, but I know exactly how you feel.
Your appreciation & love of your family is inspiring!
May you& Mrs. Sweet have many, many Happy & Healthy years together in your new place.
Hugs,
Rett
Hey BJ,
You ARE truly blessed! I'm glad you know it.
(Have you asked the new homeowners if they want that stove? They might like your sweet son to remove it at no cost to them. Just a thought.)
Thanks for playing.
Happy Blue Monday!
One of the most beautiful posts I have ever read, BJ, and I am crying, too... I understand this better than you know as we just dismanfled 55 years of memories from my MIL's house. As everyone sat remembering times past, they were talking about how every Christmas of their young lives were spent in the family room... From cousins to kids to aunts and uncles. But what they will truly miss is the warmth of my MIL's love. Yet, we carry her in our hearts down the years of our lives until we meet again thanks to Jesus. PTL
My hand is much better, and my knee's healing has been manifesting daily. The miracle is that it did not break and had no torn tendons. My leg looked horrible but is a thousand times better, and I am giving all the praise to The Lord! Hoping to get the brace off my hand week after next. I can take it off to bathe, etc. which has been a Godsend. GE is good, and I am blessed.
Thank you for caring...
xo,
Sheila
He is good. Not GE. LOL though I guess they actually are good.
You are so wise to focus on the feelings of love and not get too caught up with the "things".
I have always felt, it is the little things in life that are more important. The best things that can happen, are free.We all are blessed more than we realize. Glad you finally got moved in.
Such an wise and beautiful post, BJ! It is difficult to detach from things that hold personal and touching memories- they have their moment along the path of our lives. The blessed takeaway is the love, the perfect foundation of a memory. Thank you for reminding us.
Okay, now I am crying, too. It is because we all love you, our dear and sweet BJ.♥♥♥
You certainly are blessed - I am sure this post will make many of your readers count their blessings! - I know I will!
Oh BJ, you made me teary eyed reading this. You are actually so blessed in so many ways. Your kids love you so much and you have a wonderful family. Enjoy the new home...Christine
What a wonderful and beautiful story:) As I was scrolling down to leave a comment, I stopped when I saw your Wedding Anniversary pictures.....My birthday is April 10th and it is also our Wedding Anniversary! We chose to get married on my birthday because my mom passed away from breast cancer on my 16th birthday. My husband and I have known each other for 40 years and have been married for 20. I am so glad I stopped here today for a visit:) Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines~
Oh bj, I am bawling too. Your story touched my heart to my core. You are reacting in a way that any of us would in the same circumstances. However, you are so right on in your realization that it is the memories that you will never be without and that is such a blessing.
I was pleased to read your comment about hoe big your new home is. I don't know why but my vision in my mind was a smaller place but how terrific that your have all this square footage to decorate. Oh honey!!! I love when you say that and I couldn't resist. HA!
I love you dearly,
Jeanne
Wonderful post honoring your losses with loving memories ~ change can be sad but you are being blessed even more ~ how delightful for you ~ gorgeous loving and creative photos ~ Wishing you love each moment in your new home being warmed with your loving memories ~ carol, xo
Hi bj ... When I read your post this morning I was crying with you, but tears of happiness that you have those beautiful memories of love and they will always be with you.
You are now in a new time of your life and will create new memories that you will hold dear; but never loose the ones of the past that have meant so much to you.
You are a special lady and I am happy to have gotten to know you.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Oh boy, I am crying reading your beautiful post. We all have to make changes in our lives, and sometimes it is hard, but memories are always there to recall at our will. How blessed you are my dear friend. Hugs to you, Karie
Some days I just need a dose of your wisdom. I don't think it is bad to be attached to "things" if they are things that belonged to our parents, grandparents etc. You are so right that it is truly the memories we are holding onto, not the item. I will be facing some of these tough choices when we move to Florida as my house is full of things that belonged to my grandparents, great-grandparents, parents. The funny thing is that I'm not attached the pieces that we bought for ourselves, I could leave them all. It is so much harder to leave things that belong to those people we no longer have with us. Your post is such a life lesson and I may need to reread it in about a year!
I'm misty eyed after reading your post. It was very touching.
I am not sure how I cam across your blog, but somehow I did. I just lost my mom last month and I am still reeling in the pain of my loss. I know I have memories of her and I think back often, it still hurts though... I don't even know where I am going with this post. Just to say how lovely it was... Thanks
I'm sure my wife would envy about your collections.. You are great BJ! I'll let my wife read this..
BJ, what a precious post. You are so correct you will carry each and every memory in your heart and they will only grow sweeter.
Love to you, Ginger
What a pretty post of blue and white. I love your fireplace story. I hope you get things turned around with your blog. It is a very pretty blog.
Truly beautiful, bj!
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