Sofa Serendipity

This weekend I had the difficult task of going to my grandma's apartment, going through her things, and taking what I wanted.

It was weird being there without her. Going through the clothes she wore, the jewelry she had owned for decades, the books she read, food she ate, spices that she may have used only a month ago. My cousin joked about giving me the fur coats. I found a small emerald ring that I can wear and think of her. I went crazy in the kitchen with spices, vinegar, olive oil, an apple peeler, and small things I don't really need but always wanted for the kitchen. And the only thing that means anything...the picture that was hanging over her bed.

Years ago, when she lived in another state, I fell in love with a painting in her room of a woman sleeping in a bed, with little cherubs floating all around her. She later sold the painting, then deeply regretted it. Years later, she came across this smaller version. Nobody else wanted it, so I took it. I think she would be happy that I have it.

Having these things of hers makes me feel happy and comforted, like a part of her is still with me. Every time I look at the painting, peel an apple, wear the ring, I will think of her and smile.

When I came home, we discovered that Marley had chewed up our couch quite seriously while my husband took a nap. It was unbelievable! He has never done anything like that before with the furniture. A light bulb went off in my head. My grandma had a couch the exact same color, and nobody wanted it. I got on the phone quickly and claimed it. It was weird that it all happened on the same day.

Thanks, Grandma. For the memories, the love, and for always being there.