Each year I try to do something a tad special for someone. Something that might make a difference someday. Who knows how or when…but maybe if you just believe that is enough.
The antique sleigh bells were a Christmas gift a number of years ago from Jen, Andy, Noah and Adam. Last winter I polished them.
Some ended up with sparkly dark ribbon and some with sparkly white ribbon.
Back in 2006 we received a sleigh bell/jingle bell ornament from Brother In Law Tim, Nephew Jacob and Niece Rachael. It always has a special place on our tree.
They wrote; “ Merry Chistmas 2006 from Tim, Jacob and Rachael! We hope you enjoy this authentic Victorian Sleigh (Jingle) Bell. It would be difficult to figure out the exact date that it was made , but it is close to 100 years old if not older. The kids and I have restored this bell and offer it to you in celebration of the Christmas season. We hope that you will find a place on your tree or perhaps and entry door to hang it and each time you hear it jingle, be reminded of all your blessings in life.”
Tim died November 1st, 2018. He has two grandsons both just babies…one is a year old and the other a few months old. They haven’t a chance to remember their Grandfather. So two bells along with the story were mailed to the oldest Grandson with instructions to share with his cousin someday.
My sister with Tim, Rachael and Jacob. I believe this photo was taken in 1995.
Other recipients of the sleigh bells were our daughters, grandchildren and our great grandson.
I love the sleigh bells!
ReplyDeleteWe have a few sleigh bells that Tom's dad had saved from his ancestors old sleigh.
ReplyDeleteI love little bells of all sorts. Well you know that Charlie wears one that should probably be kept in a safer place however it keeps him safe! A young child once made me an ornament ... a bell with yarn for the loop. I have kept it and hung it somewhere special each year.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tradition.
You always do nice things for others, Connie. I have been a recipient of some of your sweet gifts, and they certainly have made a difference for me. I love the pretty bells and am glad to know that Tim's grandchildren will remember him through memories others share of him. I hope this shiny new year brings you all good things! :-)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet story and a gift that will bless those children very much as the years go by.
ReplyDeleteConnie, you are an amazing person.I know someday those 2 little ones will be grateful to have those bells.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the loss of the brother-in-law. It is wonderful that some day the two will receive them. We had a lady in town that died a few days ago that we knew all those years in Woodward. Her obit said that she had only two grandchildren even though she had three daughters. Then I thought, I only have two grandchildren also. Anyway we will have a third in April.
ReplyDeleteThat will be a treasured gift for those boys. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and a heartfelt gift. I’m sure that someday both of Tim‘s grandchildren will be so grateful and thankful to you for passing along the bells and the story. Many blessings, Betsy
ReplyDeleteOh, Connie! That brought a tear to my eye. You will have made a difference, for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou already do.
That's a nice way to remember someone. And a good lesson: if we want memories to pass along the generations, now is the time to do it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story about how you got the bell and even more nice is the fact that you have sent it back to the grandson who will one day cherish it
ReplyDeleteTruly gifts from your heart.
ReplyDeleteGreat stories go along with these articles.
ReplyDeleteA very poignant post today. Those bells are treasures, as are the stories that go with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the beautiful things you do for so many. What a very loving person and couple you are. The joy that you send out will truly come back to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful gift!
ReplyDeleteA treasured gift and story.
ReplyDeleteYou are a gifter extrodinare!
ReplyDeleteSo sad they
ReplyDeleteonly come out once a year!! There used to be an apartment window up about five floors (in one of the two buildings in town that go that high) that was christmas decor year round. At the right angle you coukd see sparkly balls hanging from the ceilibg
What a touching and significant gift.
ReplyDelete