Sunday, November 14, 2010

A Box of Love Arrived In The Mail From a Sweet Blog Friend

     When Karen @ Some Days Are Diamonds said she was having a blog swap for the Bloggerette Sorority I decided to give it a try. I have to admit that I didn't really think about the fact that I would have to MAKE SOMETHING and also DECORATE SOMETHING to hold the other things. You see I know my limitations. I cook, I can do pretty amazing things with flowers, bows and Christmas trees...but put scissors, glue, paint or glitter in my hands and I function at about the level of a 5-year-old. Needless to say, when told to get a vintage cigar box and decorate it and fill it with treasures, one of which to be homemade...I freaked out. I am not a quitter, so I did the best I could with my very limited skills. I got lucky. My secret swap partner was Sherry @ Country Wings In Phoenix. If you know Sherry, you know that she is the sweetest person you will ever meet. I knew that even if I failed, she would still find the positive in my efforts. What I didn't know, was that Sherry also had my name.

     Our exchange was supposed to be written about on October 30th. I was going to be in Florida, so Sherry waited to send my box until I got home. It arrived Friday and I can't begin to tell you what a thoughtful and wonderful gift she sent me. I opened the mailing box to find a few wonderful treasures before I even got to my actual swap gift. Then, I saw the box. I was in awe of the gorgeous sparkly top. The shell and mermaid, so perfect for my love of the sea..."I Need Mom" in letters on the top, such a great idea. The vintage key looked perfect in the corner. The detail was wonderful and I really wanted to call Sherry and tell her to send back what I made and I would start over!



Then I opened the box...and the tears began.


     At first I couldn't even process how she did it. How could she have these pictures of my parents? Then I remembered that I posted my parent's wedding pictures while going through my mother's things this summer. As most of you know, this year has been all about my parents for me. I have been on a 6 month roller coaster and to think that Sherry would even think to make me something that is a tribute to the love my parents shared leaves me speechless.


     I don't want to ignore all of the fun things inside the box. A darling necklace with my initial made from a domino. How do people make such cute things? Do you see the sweet little angel on the chain?


     Wonderful homemade soap, wax melts that smell like wedding cake (to go with my parent's wedding picture), a wonderful witch tassel for my almost Halloween birthday, a cute PEZ pumpkin, cookie cutter, cupcake ornament and kleenix...don't you just love it? Each and every item a treasure.


     I really don't have the words to express how touched I am that someone I've never met put so much thought into each detail and made something so perfect for me. She told me that the key on the top was to hold the secrets that I shared with my mom and that the box could hold treasures from my parents. I think the real treasure is Sherry. Thank you Sherry for sending me such a wonderful gift. I will treasure it, and you, always.

17 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Wow, she made some great personal items for you. That was so very thoughtful.

La said...

What a thoughtful and personal gift. Enjoy! La

Karen said...

I am thrilled! This is wonderful - isn't it amazing the lengths of what some people go to to do for others? Sherry is that way . . . what a FABulous box. Very special indeed. And full of yummy fun things to boot!
SCORE! :) (hehehe)
And I'm sure what you did for her is just as thoughtful!
Have a great day! Karen

Cindy said...

What a wonderful box you received and how very personal. You really got lucky with that box.

Hugs XX
Barbara

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a wonderful swap gift! Sherry did a great job of personalizing it just for you.
Have a great week.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Sue Sweetie...
I am so over the top thrilled that you loved your box of love, as much as I did mine. It so touched my heart. (I have my post up now too. I am a little slow this morning.) Burning the midnight oil to get ready for my Momma's visit. She lands in the morning, so I am hurrying around like a chicken with my head cut off.

You know I was already a follower of your blog, so I have to admit it was easier for me than for some, who didn't know their blogging matches. I had remembered the post, after your Mom passing, that you had shared the photos that nobody had seen before. I thought, that is what I want to capture for her. You said you needed Mom, and that is what I gave you. The two of you can share your deepest secrets within the corners of this box of love. May you cherish it always.

I have so enjoyed this swap, sweet friend, and I just thank Karen over and over for the wonderful idea, and the terrific matches. She put two Smith girls together, and we did a pretty GREAT job.

Many hugs sweetie, and SO much love, Sherry

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Some people are God's comfort to us in human form! What an absolutely touching and tear invoking post.
I'm sure this box is a great treasure to you.
And I can't think of anyone who deserves to be blessed more than you!
Have a beautiful Sunday, Sue!
xo Yvonne

Tete said...

Oh Sue- isn't that Sherry just an amazing friend? She has the heart of an angel and she knows just the right things to say and do! I love this box she made for you and all the fun she tucked inside.
But- I saw the one you made first- and your box that you made for her is just darling. All of the little details are wonderful and I was so touched that you thought to give her fall- the leaves were such a great idea! I know she loves it so much!
You did good- and I am sorry that you lost your mother this year- lost mine 16 years ago and I remember thinking I could never go on without her. So, I didn't- I keep her close to me every day- no matter what I do. She isn't gone, as long as I don't forget.
Hugs- Tete

Blondie's Journal said...

Everything is wonderful...Sherry really touched your heart. It makes ME want to cry!! beautiful.

I also saw the box you sent Sherry and it is equally as nice. You did a great job, the leaves were such a special touch!

Happy Sunday, Sue!

XO,
Jane

Anonymous said...

This post really got to me! Good to know others were touched. Things get better and people like Sherry are a reason why.....R

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Wow ... I'm just visiting from Sherry's and your post is so very touching. It sounds as though you've had a trying year ~ I'm sorry! BOTH boxes are absolutely beautiful and put together with much love! Blessings from Canada xox

Unknown said...

That is my sis-Sherry for sure ... she goes over the top to bring joys to everyone. Her heart is bigger than the universe.

It is just absolutely breathtaking, this special secret keyed box. Treasures to behold, memories to kindle.

TTFN ~Hugs, Marydon

Theresa said...

Precious, just like Sherry! I love the time and thought that she put into your gift, BUT I also loved the time and thought you put into hers! I think you two were matched up perfectly by our Karen! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Sherry is amazing! She did just such a beautiful job!
Love it all, just perfect for you!
Hugs,
Cindy

Shellbelle said...

I got so caught up in reading both of you and Sherry's posts, that I forgot I was heating up some spaghetti for lunch. Just as I was ready to reach for one of those tissues, I heard that sound the pot makes when it's dry! Well, I saved my lunch and read two of my favorite bloggers sharing such love, that I have to say — This is a Good Day!

Both boxes are so wonderful and both show how much you've come to know each other in this online world we share. Kudos to both of you!

Monica H said...

I am in awe of the thoughtfulness that went into creating this gift for you. Sherry is a gift in herself.

Relyn Lawson said...

What a wonderful swap!! You had a terrific partner. And, I know you were a wonderful partner to have as well.