Several years ago, Pip designed and made these swans as a love token necklace. For some reason they didn't sell too well – a shame as I think they're a lovely piece – but being the generous soul he was, he gave them away to our friends, and I wore mine whenever we went out.
I don't know what happened to my swans, and unfortunately, he was in the middle of hanging some more on chains when he got poorly, so I was left with none to wear and lots in bits. I didn't discover this until the morning of his service, which meant the air was black with fury and blue with misery as I cursed his generosity. “What about me, Pip?” I screeched, angry tears splashing down my face, blobbing my glasses (I'm a very messy crier).
As you might imagine, I was feeling somewhat Bah Humbug over Valentine's Day. I kept thinking Pip would send me a card – or something – though I hadn't quite worked out how, or what. But no cards arrived, not even a bill.
I closed my eyes to the endless messages on facebook, ignored the repeated emails read out on radio and TV and reminded myself that we never did anything on 14th February anyway. We bemoaned the commercialisation and decided that we didn't need a date in the diary to remind us how much we loved each other. But still....
On Sunday I was rummaging in a tray in the kitchen full of bits and bobs. I discovered his wallet that makes my heart lurch every time I see it. Old photos that I have to cover up. An ancient bottle of nail varnish. Then – buried at the bottom of this muddle I found one of the Swans, on a chain, nestling in a polybag.
Just in time for Valentine's.
The second thing happened on Monday itself as I was leaving the house to meet a friend. One of the builders from next door gave me a shout. “We've got some wood for you,” he said. “I'll chop it up so it can go in your woodburner. You'll have it later on today.”
It's now Wednesday and I still haven't got it, but the thought of that wood cheers me up no end.
So all in all, I had two lovely surprises for Valentine's. Thank you, darling.
28 comments:
What an uplifting post! So glad you got your Valentine's Day gift(s) after all.
I agree, the swans are really lovely. x
Glad you like the swans Shirley - and so glad I can wear them again!
What a lovely pendant. You were obviously meant to have this one! Mx
I wear my swans ALL the time. XX and hugs, SIL.
How beautiful that necklace is.
I just know that Pip intended you to find the swan in the draw on Valentines Day Flowerpot - he's watching over you.
MWM and I don't celebrate Valentines Day with cards and presents either, though I did buy him a box of Thornton's chocolates this year because they were on offer in Morrisons.
I agree Morton! I had had various swans but they had disappeared.....
Oh Shelagh I'm so glad! I wear mine for special occasions - he must have nicked mine to give someone else - you know what he's like!
Oh berlimey - that so lovely, it's brought tears to my eyes. Fancy Pip leaving that for you! Hope the wood arrives too.
Ak - well I did find it - it just took time! Glad we werent the only ones not to celebrate V Day...
What a lovely gift - those swans are gorgeous. Beautiful!
Chris - I hope the wood arrives too!
That is such a lovely post to read. They are always with us, even when we cry and scold them!!
Beautiful swans.
CJ xx
Talli - another appreciator! Perhaps I should encourage Pete to sell them....
CJ - aren't they just?!
I'm surprised that the swans didn't sell because they are lovely.
That's what we thought, Colette. I shall have to persuade Pete to start selling them again methinks....
Glad you found them, just lovely. Valentines day is a load of commercial poop which makes singletons feel at odds for that day. We should have national singles day too! Or even dare I say it a national bereaved day. A day when we can celebrate the life of all of those we have lost. But of course none of us need these manufactured days as most of us say I love you for the rest of the year and remember our late loved ones in so many ways that are private moments of reflection and thanks. Early days dear girl - hope the deep pain eases for you soon.
FP You were meant to find the necklace♥ It is so beautiful, I love the swans forming into a heart, precious. What a craftsman Pip was. Hope the wood appears soon:) Linda xx
MOB - what great ideas! I'm sure a lot of us would go along with either or both of those...
Linda - he was clever wasn't he? It took ages to draw, then design that piece. He had to remodel it several times - but it was worth it!
What a lovely thing to happen. I'm so pleased x
And I love the swans, such a lovely thing.
Thanks Phil! I think I can guess your thoughts on VAlentine's Day...xx
How lovely to find those swans the night before. I'm sure there's more to life and death than we know.
Addy - I'm sure you're right. And what a lovely thought!
How lovely that you found the swans - such a beautiful tale. And the swans are so beautiful too. X
Thanks Mandy - yes I think they're very special. Will definitely get on to Pixie about selling them...
What a wonderful pendant, so unique. It must have been hard for you on Valentine's Day, but remember, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thanks, Ellee - that's very comforting.
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