Good Friends

Two weeks before my surgery, there was a knock at the shop door. If anyone knocks rather than just walking on in, I know they're either a new customer or they want to rent one of the storage units attached to my shop. Going to answer the door and seeing an older gentleman with no bags of quilt tops, I assumed he wanted to rent a space and was ready with my, "I don't have anything to do with that," spiel.

Instead he handed me a small wooden plaque, obviously home made, and said, "I found this for a quarter at a yard sale this morning and thought you should have it." On the plaque was written "Good friends are like fine quilts, they never lose their warmth." Flabbergasted, I thanked him as he turned away and climbed into his truck. I called after him that I knew just the place for it and he nodded and said he thought I would.

Looking back on it, it must have happened right after the article published in the Newark Advocate about my shop in Hebron and being the Featured Artist of the Guild for 2010-11. Hebron is a small town and many of the men gather at the post office to chat each morning so he probably knew who I was even though I have no idea of his identity.

What a nice thing to do! I immediately hung the plaque by the entry door in the shop and each evening I give it a pat when I leave. And I reflect on the truth of the statement, especially while I'm recuperating.