Remember Me, the Tarnished Silver Box
The lack of luster or sparkle seems to go unnoticed.
Tarnished amid circumstances often outside of our control.
Faded dreams, broken promises, feeling unseen.
We know if we polish silver, the radiance returns and captures attention.
And then, over time, the shine fades and becomes weathered once again.
We begin to discover the glow of the perfectly shiny surface is always there. But there is a beauty in the patina of the stories we carry in those worn vessels.
Sometimes the glow of the outside can distract from the beauty within.
What is hidden on the inside is the truth waiting to be told. Worn vessels hold dear stories and heartfelt meaning.
Disappointments fade over time as the sheen begins to tarnish, and a treasure is discovered.
The trophy is found in the knowing, in the triumphs, in the glory, and in understanding the truth.
Our journey through life can weather and tarnish us, but if we focus on the truth, beauty, goodness, the patina becomes the beauty and the story.
The vessel becomes the gift to behold.
Your life is a blessing and your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond measure
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My dad was a simple and precious man who, like all of us, became weathered and tarnished over a lifetime. At times he seemed unaware and unaffected of anything because of life’s harsh realities.
Even in his weathered and weary face, he held a treasure we all could embrace. His masterful and subtle gift was expressed in paying attention to the small and meaningful things.
Though these moments are a distant memory, my dad would often surprise me with a visit on the days my mom would get her hair done. He would drop her off and buzz over to my house, for he had only a short amount of time.
It was a stolen treasure of time where we could talk just as father and daughter. Both of us spent our days as caretakers, my father for my mother and me for my children.
Life got in the way, and we were never afforded much time to honor our bond. These moments are treasures to me.
The moment my dad was approaching my house, the dogs would stand guard at my kitchen door, alerting me with a bark only meant for my dad. Even today, when the dogs bark at nothing at all, I wonder if he is standing at the back door waiting to come inside.
Sometimes I would prepare lunch or dinner for him to take home.
Sometimes he would come bearing gifts—gifts of presence, gifts of words, or gifts that let me know he knew my heart.
One such day he brought me a vintage silver box.
This box was wrapped with a large rubber band.
As my dad handed it to me, he told me to be careful with it since it was broken. He was frustrated with himself that he didn’t treat it with the care it deserved.
Carefully he showed me where the hinge was broken. This treasure, this tarnished silver box, meant so much to him.
I laughed, hugged him, and said, “Ah, It’s okay. Dad, aren’t we all broken and weathered even just a little bit? Besides, you know I love old things, vintage things, things that hold meaning.”
Tears filled his eyes and mine.
“I know!” He said. “And you love silver things.”
” I’ve been noticing you like to collect weathered silver things.”
“That is why I am giving this to you today. So I do not forget. And someday you will remember me.”
May you always recognize the subtle treasure in the small and meaningful places.
May you always know the gift you offer by paying attention.
May you discover the beauty in weathered and broken things.
May you always carry a radiance even when you are worn and weathered.
May you always feel the unwavering love of a GOoD and Faithful Father.
May you always turn your ear to wisdom and understanding.
“My son, if you receive my words
and treasure my commands,
Turning your ear to wisdom,
inclining your heart to understanding;
Yes if you call for intelligence,
and to understanding raise your voice;
if you seek her like silver,
and like hidden treasures search her out,
Then will you understand the fear of the Lord;
the knowledge of God you will find;
For the Lord gives wisdom,
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He has success in store for the upright,
is the shield of those who walk honestly,
Guarding the paths of justice,
protecting the way of His faithful ones,
Then you will understand what is right and just,
what is fair, every good path;
For wisdom will enter your heart,
knowledge will be at home in your soul,
Discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you…”
- Proverbs 2:1-11
Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for Grief is to grieve.
Earl Grollman
