Who is wise? He is to remember these things and consider the mercy of the LORD. Psalm 107:43
My Valentine’s Table is assembled shortly after Christmas, and New Year’s is packed away. I bring out all things red and begin remembering the people and occasions from which the assembled objects originated. This adds to the sweetness leading up to the day we celebrate all things LOVE.
We humans, tend to be forgetful; therefore, it is wise to be intentional in our remembering. As I put out the items, I think about where and why I have them, who or where they came from, and smile. This is the first step to rescuing lost stories. Today I share them with you:
Nona’s Centerpiece
First, the centerpiece was handmade by Nona, my paternal grandmother: Esther Lee Wilburn Hancock. To say she made things would be a gross understatement! She knitted, crocheted, tatted, and sewed stuff. She made and decorated cakes and later in life took up painting. I learned handicrafts from her, including tatting!
This is not the only thing I have from her, not at all. I have doll clothes, afghans, pillows, and crocheted collars – to name a few. This particular doily was a gift to my mother and graced our family’s dining room table for years. When Mom right-sized, it came to my house.
The Paris Card
This is one of the many Valentine’s Day cards I have received from my husband. He always seems to find just the right card, but this one is wonderful. Paris is a special city to many, but I resisted its charms until 1983, when I was compelled into visiting the city.
David was in the middle of his summer language training before entering a doctoral program in Strasbourg, France. His studies at the French language institute in Tours, south of Paris, began in June. By August, I was missing him and needed a break from preparations to join him in October. So I wrangled five days off and flew to Paris.
I was expecting to hate the city, but Paris worked her magic. We have visited many times since. I spent time there on my own while serving as the Air Traffic Representative in Brussels. Many of the forums and meetings were held in Paris, so I became quite comfortable navigating the city.
This card brings all those memories back every time I set it out!
Red Goblets
In the fall of 2017, I received a phone call asking me to go to Indonesia to help Mission Aviation Fellowship. I wrote about the trip here. This trip was sandwiched between Thanksgiving – I left the next day – and our 40th wedding anniversary.
This particular Thanksgiving, my extended familygathered in Topeka at my uncle’s house. My mother insisted we be there, and I am glad we made the effort to go.
First, it was the last time our entire family was together. Between COVID and life changes, we have not had a big gathering since.
Second, my dear family had planned a surprise 40th celebration for us! These red goblets were given to us as a gift, representing the 40th anniversary gemstone: ruby. When I see these goblets, the joy and adventure of this season bubbles up.
Red Glass Bell And Box Of Valentine’s Table Love
The red glass bell was a gift from my late mother-in-law, probably for Christmas. She loved Christmas! This item graces both our Christmas and Valentine’s table, and brings her to remembrance.
I have kept all the cards from my spouse. As I said, he always picks great cards. They get stored with all the Valentine’s decorations, so I put them out every year.
Each of these items helps me remember occasions, people, and experiences. Remembering is the start, writing it rescues the story.
What story will you rescue this Valentine’s Day?