A Garage Sale.....Oh Joy!

Finally, we had a day without rain and thankfully it coincided with the date for our garage sale. I used to thoroughly enjoy garage sales and I can thank my Grandpa for that. He loved the thrill of finding a deal, shining it up and selling it for profit. He loved to barter and gab. Over the years he began to add his own wares to the sale: doll houses, deacon's benches, lawn furniture and spoon racks. Several Saturdays were spent setting up for a sale and then tucking it all away for the next time. I have great memories of those days.

So why did our own sale fall short? We were well prepared, we had food, fresh coffee, prominent signage, the contents from three households, a pricing system beyond compare and yet the day did not come close to my expectations. I guess I am not a true 'garage saler' at heart. I can recognize now that it was the spending time with my Grandpa that has made his garage sales such a great memory for me. It wasn't what I was doing, it was WHO I was doing it with, that has a special place in my heart.

Did we make much money at our sale, nope. But we did make great memories. My own father enjoyed a lengthy cuddle with his snoozing grandson. Cousins played ball and follow the leader around the backyard. My daughter tried her hand at her first, and probably her last, lemonade stand. More items were donated to Goodwill than were sold, but we're clear of some clutter in our homes. I am 'cured' of my own garage sale dreams and am content to relive the glory days of my Grandpa's sales. I doubt very much there are garage sales in heaven, but you can be sure he is gabbing away with a fellow angel every chance he gets.

Four Generations

Yesterday was my Grandma's 87th birthday. Wow, what a milestone. My youngest, who is only in Grade One, made a curious observation when he learned of his GG's age on the weekend. He realized that this is also the year I turn 37 and he turns 7. No, in case you are wondering, my own mom is not something-seven this year. That would be too coincidental!

While he figured this all out, I was struck by how blessed we are to be able to compare the ages of four generations. Family is a constant for me. One thing that is always there, the firm foundation on which everything else it built. We gathered together this past Sunday to visit, laugh, and of course, eat. Everyone is comfortable. There are no awkward silences, just love. What a great thing to treasure.