Friday, January 23, 2009

It's moments like these...


I had a moment at the shop yesterday with a little boy, Christian from Bexley (my hometown) that I will treasure forever...for many reasons. He is 7-ish years old, wise and quiet (not bashful or shy, more of a gentleman demeanor) with a beautiful smileflanked by a gorgeous set of dimples. Ever since I met him in December he has reminded me of my older brother. Michael, my brother, passed away in his sleep July 4th, 2002 from an undiagnosed heart condition. We all miss him terribly. On a few occasions the atmosphere around certain situations seem to be steeped with his presence. This moment was one of them.

One of the greatest pleasures I get from my "job" is being there when a customer finds something that makes their heart skip a beat and they just have to have it. Well, this young man's heart did quiet little back flips, I know because I could see it on his face. His mom discovered Urban Farmhouse through the Country Living

Fair and just started coming out recently and dare I say is thoroughly addicted. She was finishing up her shopping and Christian said something about an old camera he saw in the front of the shop, he wondered if it worked. I walked up there (to Lisa Marton's area) with him to let him see it. We were looking at the camera when his mom said something about the Viewmaster. I looked at the next shelf up and there was a vintage black Viewmaster, just like my brother Mike's but black not red plastic. I picked it up and looked through it, it worked and had 15-20 of the round slides too. When I looked down and went to hand it to him the joy in his face was magical! I handed it to him and told him to look in and towards the window...his face was so full of happiness, you wouldn't believe it. It wasn't a "jumping up and down, hyper-excited this is going to pass as soon as I see something else shiny" kind of joy...just pure happiness and joy. He had $20 Grandma gave him and the Viewmaster was $18...more joy.
So I am standing there with eyes full of tears remembering my childhood with my brother. When I raised the Viewmaster to my face I half expected to see the
classic dinosaur images, t-rex and the stegosaurus fighting on the edge of the cliff! I managed to keep my composure, smiling the whole time, kept the tears in my eyes and not streaming down my face. Mom and son stayed right there for a few moments while I walked back up to the cash register. Right there smack in the middle on the expanse of wood of the old store counter was an enamel letter "M". Christian's mom had found it in the store and had laid it there before joining he and I up by the camera. Coincidence I know. But it was cool...like a sweet hello from my big bro Mike, signed even!

12 comments:

The Kramer Angle said...

Great post! I definitely believe in "signs" and I think you got one!

A Wild Thing said...

What a glorious moment, I too had a tear in my eye right along with you, I have a younger(58)Brother Michael...isn't it funny how memories throw those lil'notes of remebrance on our corkboards of life...great story!

sharon

It' an Evolution said...

I believe Angels are all around us and that was your brothers way of letting you know he was there with you.

Also, can't wait to visit your store one day. Hopefully this weather will let us and I can make the trip.

Enjoy your moments.
Janet

Teresa's New Life said...

God sends us special blessing through the smallest things. I'm glad he sent one to you.

Anonymous said...

I have no doubt that your brother was right beside you on that special occasion. How wonderful that you are open enough to allow those experiences. It's just all about the Love and you were smack dab in the middle of it! Savor that one. XOXXOO

A Lovely Thing said...

Such a touching story. It reinforces that no matter our line of work or profession, we touch other lives in wonderful ways.

Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration! I miss my brother Mike too, it's been a little over a year since I lost him. I have passed on a "Beautiful Blog" award to you for your inspiration. Leave a comment so I can get it to you... Sandra

countrycharisma said...

Oh, thanks for sharing that moment. I have no doubt our good Lord gave you that special time just so you can feel some of the joy your brother is experiencing. I love it! blessings, carrell

Anonymous said...

What a neat story, made me all teary eyed...thank you for sharing...God works in mysterious ways that is for sure!

The French Hen, Chester, CT said...

How lucky you were that you were open to that sweet hello from your brother. I think it's possible that we sometimes miss those special moments. I am glad you were "tuned in" and especially glad that you reminded me to slow down and notice the little things that can have such powerful meanings.
Laurie

Anonymous said...

There are certainly times we really want to have answers from God on why things happen but, like a true "Father" we may hear "Because I said so". It may take years before we recognize or accept the events that impact our lives and shape us into who we become.
We can all testify that we are richer from having read your recounting of this and other experiences and can see that you are a beautiful soul who sees those things that too many of us miss either because we are in a hurry or just do not want pay the emotional price.
Who knows why you started down this road with your store and blog. We are all the cumulative effects of all of our experiences in our lives and if any of them would have changed, who knows we would be. While we would never want someome to experience the trauma of losing a loved one as you did, your impact on our lives is welcomed and we thank you for sharing yours with us.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa - thanks for your beautiful letter. The little boy and the viewfinder is a classic. Your imagery is fantastic, and your love for your brother comes shining through.

I also enjoyed your blessing, the pause in the road.

Hope all is well,

Maria