Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!
I had to take the time to write this post. I work in a very small office in a family owned business. I only have 2 co-workers that are not in the family. Betsy is quite the southern lady - she was born and raised in Alabama - attended an all girls christian college also in Alabama and she is also blessed to have a home filled with gorgeous antiques she inherited from both sides of her family. She has one lovely daughter who is the only grandchild in Betsy's family. Among these family heirlooms - Betsy has 4 or 5 antique hooked rugs but then that is another story - she has quilts too and an amazing little alphabet sampler. It came down in her mothers family - it is a simple alphabet sampler but is in excellent shape - color still good and was stitched by Rebecca Eliza Weyman aged 7 in 1819. I had seen the sampler several years ago when Betsy's mother passed away - her father gave Betsy the sampler. He is in his mid 80's now and lives in a retirement home in FL.
No words can describe my surprise when Betsy walked in my office this morning and handed me a big gift bag - I said - Oh no - I thought we decided not to exchange this year and she said "Mel I wanted you to have this" When I pulled this sampler from the bag - I felt rather faint and just burst out in tears - I was so overwhelmed by this gesture - to recieve a gift of this magnitude - something so special to her - a family heirloom with all the provenance in place - I was speechless (imagine that) Betsy was very gracious to just sit there while I boo hoo'd in a tissue for 10 minutes - I just did not even know how to respond to something like this - she said she wanted me to have it - she knew how special it would be to me for the rest of my life - she said her daughter would never appreciate it as much as I would and she wanted me to enjoy it and to always think of her. OK I'm tearing up again just writing this. I could not wait to share this with my friends in blog land who I know could appreciate this story and be happy for me. I hope this does not sound overly dramatic but I am truly astounded with the gift. I snapped a few quick photos on my IPhone so you could see Elizabeth Few Booth with her ancestors sampler.
No words can describe my surprise when Betsy walked in my office this morning and handed me a big gift bag - I said - Oh no - I thought we decided not to exchange this year and she said "Mel I wanted you to have this" When I pulled this sampler from the bag - I felt rather faint and just burst out in tears - I was so overwhelmed by this gesture - to recieve a gift of this magnitude - something so special to her - a family heirloom with all the provenance in place - I was speechless (imagine that) Betsy was very gracious to just sit there while I boo hoo'd in a tissue for 10 minutes - I just did not even know how to respond to something like this - she said she wanted me to have it - she knew how special it would be to me for the rest of my life - she said her daughter would never appreciate it as much as I would and she wanted me to enjoy it and to always think of her. OK I'm tearing up again just writing this. I could not wait to share this with my friends in blog land who I know could appreciate this story and be happy for me. I hope this does not sound overly dramatic but I am truly astounded with the gift. I snapped a few quick photos on my IPhone so you could see Elizabeth Few Booth with her ancestors sampler.
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20 comments:
What an incredible gift from a sweet friend! Made me cry just reading it! I'm so glad that she thought enough to give the sampler to you.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Hugs!
What a priceless gift she has given you - not only the sampler, but her friendship! How special!
Wow, what a special gift from Betsy! I got tears in my eyes just reading about it! What a treasure from a dear friend. Enjoy!
Oh my gosh Mel - I was tearing up just reading this post. What a wonderful, wonderful gift to receive. So priceless! I'm beyond words at what a wonderful gift Betsy gave you. But Betsy probably knew that you would treasure it forever and would find a good home with you!
Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas Mel.
i've met betsy on all the many visits to your office melody, and i think she's "spot on" knowing your love of priceless samplers. she knew that sampler would be valued by you beyond any judge in the antiques road show!. merry christmas both to you and betsy. really loved the story, and very happy that you sent it. see you in the new year!
Oh Melody! How special is that! What a wonderful, precious gift -- Betsy must be a very special person. Enjoy it -- it's just beautiful, and so meaningful too! Have a wonderful Christmas!
What a beautiful story. Melody you are a very special lady and Betsy must think this as well, I am so happy for you. What a wonderful Christmas story, one that will brighten all who read.
John and I wish you and your family a Blessed Christmas.
I look forward to seeing your sampler some day in person.
Love, Bethany
Melody: Bethany called to ask if my computer was on and when she told me why I rushed to read all about your marvelous Christmas gift. What an incredibly priceless gift you have been given. I know you will cherish it all your life, as well as your friendship with Betsy. I don't have to wish you a Merry Christmas, you already have it. Luv, JoAnn
Melody, what a beautiful, amazing, generous gift! Betsy is right - I don't know anyone that would appreciate it more than you! I can totally understand your emotion over such a gift.
You are truly an advocate and promoter of the fiber arts. Betsy knows you well and is an amazing friend. She totally "gets" you! You will be a wonderful caretaker!
Hugs,
Jackie
Mel,
I'm speechless... what an incredible gift to have received from this wonderful co-worker and friend. Cherish your sampler.
Merry Christmas!
Wow, what a wonderful gift from your dear friend!
Merry Christmas!
So wonderful! I work with my local historical society and we received a request for information on an early sampler last summer. They had the sampler, with name and place, but nothing else. Please be sure that you get all the information you can on the maker and put it on the back of the sampler (if someone hasn't already). I know you will treasure this gift - and even more, its giver - forever.
Mel, what a fabulous gift!! Thank you for posting the story and showing us the lovely sampler. Isn't this what Christmas is all about--getting a precious, unexpected gift?
I wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas!
This is a very touching story, and I'm so glad you shared it Melody! What a wonderful and thoughtful gift. Your sampler is beautiful not to mention you now have a little piece of needlework history! Won't this be a Christmas to remember? I hope you have a wonderful day today - Merry Christmas!
Melody,
What a wonderful gift! Betsy was so thoughtful (and wise) to give her family heirloom to someone she knew would care for it.
Try to get as much history as you can about the stitcher.
Enjoy your new "family member".
What a wonderful gift!
Merry Christmas Melody, I hope you've had a wonderful time
Oh my goodness -- what an honor!!! I know you are the absolute best person to enjoy and cherish this special piece and the friendship that accompanies it.
The Christmas spirit lives.
I am tearing up just at the thought of this wonderful gift. I am so glad that you were given it--somebody who will treasure it. What a priceless gift. :) Merry Christmas!
Oh Melody - I truly am speechless...what a wonderful treasure...friend and sampler. Just simply priceless. Have a wonderful holiday week. HUGS
Oh Mel, I am truly giddy for you. What a treasure you have in that friend. I love that she knew you would love it to pieces forever and then some. It is a wonderful sampler and to know a relative of the stitcher, well...that's priceless.
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