Family Treasure

Every now and then, I enjoy a good treasure hunt at one of the many consignment and thrift stores in our town. My tiny little abode is already filled to overflowing, so, I try to find small knick knacky things to add some seasonal or everyday decorating interest. This particular trip was unusually successful--and I plan on sharing the rest of my "finds" in future posts. However, one item was of particular value, in the sentimental sense and as a valuable piece of family history. This particular shop I visited, is always crammed full of goodies, some jumbled in boxes, some in piles, some hidden way under shelves and you have to do a little bit of creative digging to find the buried treasures. Kneeling down onto the floor, I reached under a bottom shelf, to rummage amongst a pile of trays, and found a box of "silver" doo dads. I immediately grabbed a wine bottle coaster since I have been looking for one to buy for my husband. He was standing right beside me and I handed it to him and mentioned that it was engraved. He pointed out to me that the names engraved were the names of my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Ray (both now deceased). He asked me the date of their wedding anniversary and I said that I was certain it was Sept. 19. I couldn't believe my eyes and I couldn't believe that the names and date didn't even register as familiar in my mind! Of course, that was a sale that I absolutely couldn't pass up.....not to mention that it was only a dollar. I brought it home, cleaned it up and will use it every time we open a bottle of wine. Quite a bargain and a serendipitous find, it will forever remain a tangible reminder of two members of my family who aren't with us anymore.