Spotting the dish in my hand, she spoke to me.
She told me that she was glad I got the dish.
Reaching into her cart, she carefully pulled out the plates that she had found and we began a conversation about how we would hate to see these beautiful pieces of old china get chipped and broken amongst the stacks of objects on the thrift shop shelves.
She told me she had something she wanted to show me.
She knew the value to be far more than the asking price.
She told me she'd love to give it a good home, but she was in the midst of sorting through her 90 year old father's belongings and couldn't bring one more thing home right now.
As I was quickly deciding that 85 cents was a very good price for a cup and saucer with this marking ...
she mentioned that she had recently moved her dad into the memory care unit of an assisted living facility. The same facility that I had moved my mom into 3 years ago.
As we continued to look at dishes we compared notes on who was still living there since my mom passed away.
As she told me the circumstances that led to her dad's move to memory care, I had about decided that bargain cup and saucer would coordinate well with my Lenox Christmas china.
She shared with me that she was spending a lot of time with her dad because she'd recently lost her husband and isn't ready to lose her dad yet. I looked up at her and there were tears in her eyes.
She told me that he was the love of her life. They were both close to retirement and had plans to travel together. Until he was diagnosed with cancer and died 3 months later. She struggled to keep her composure. She said he had the same type of cancer that took my dad's life several years ago. I was instantly taken back to the sadness of that time. I hugged her and said "I understand". Because I do.
She talked to me for nearly an hour and I was more than happy to listen.
When I needed to be on my way, she said to me "you will never know the value of the listening ear you provided to me today."
I'm glad you were there for her, and I'm sure it was no accident. Since we've been blogging, you've been in some tough times and I know that you know how it is. God bless her heart! I was just wondering how your sister is doing after her stroke some time back.
ReplyDeleteLove the china pieces.
Deb
What a beautiful post. Brought tears to my eyes...(((hugs)) for you...and for her.
ReplyDeleteIt's the strangest thing, but sometimes being able to talk with one we don't know is so valuable. We feel as if we can say more than we can with friends. For some reason, we try to protect our friends and so do not pour out our hearts. You were a dear to chat so long and I hope that Julia will be okay. Beautiful china pieces, but it certainly wasn't all about the china...
ReplyDeleteGood morning Kim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, OH! to be at the right place at the right time, thank you for taking the time to listen to Julia. You may never know how much she needed someone to talk to, and to empathize with. I know you were so encouraging to her.
Your dishes are beautiful, I like that it was made in the USA. I like Lenox, but am so disappointed that they are slowly moving their companies outside the USA.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sue
Great post Kim, you just never know what plans God has for you!
ReplyDeleteThe Lord used you today to be a blessing to her....that is amazing. Right place, right time, not a coincidence!
ReplyDeleteThat was certainly a divine appointment. So glad you WERE a kind and patient listening ear for her. Thanks for sharing this special encounter with us! China is lovely, too!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love those appointments God makes for us? They are so uplifting for both parties...also, you never know who is listening.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure God put you in her path. You were her angel.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, this is a beautiful post. I love the china and your conversation with Julia wasn't accidental, I'm sure. You were meant to be there for her at that particular moment. I love the quote...so true. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteGod certainly used you as one of his angels on earth today so that you could be a blessing to Julia. Sometimes just getting your feelings out helps ease the burden so I am sure she felt just a little bit later after your meeting. Have a wonderful weekend, Tammy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. The meeting, and the china.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Oh Kim.... this is the sweetest story, it makes my heart sing for this sweet lady. She needed someone with a listening ear and a big heart, and you were there for her.
ReplyDeleteThe china pieces are so beautiful and great bargains.
Hugs,
Beautiful photos, and I love the dishes. Great and touching story.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim...such a sweet and precious time for the both of you! Sweet blessings for your weekend! Hugs ♥ Teri
ReplyDeleteExtraordinary happenings in the midst of our somewhat ordinary days, that is what this meeting was for the two of you. Taking time to listen and a caring spirit are such special gifts to give to others. I am positive she would say that the time spent with you was an unexpected blessing. Beautiful plates and a well written post.
ReplyDeleteHello Kim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I really love your china;thank you for sharing. Blessings always.
Kim, what a beautiful heartwarming post. You were there for a reason.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Donna
What a kind dear lady you are. Oh I am sure she will appreciate that the rest of her life.
ReplyDeleteThe china is wonderful too. .