Friday, June 12, 2009

Lighting the Past

As I carefully carried the heirloom chandelier from my car, the prisms tinkled daintily, transporting me to another time in another place.

This chandelier’s home had been in LouLou’s dining room, a shadowed, chilly room that was only aired and used on formal occasions and holidays. In winter months, because it was seldom heated, it was used as a refrigerator for the overflow of food stockpiled for hordes of visiting relatives. I can almost taste the rich dark chocolate sheet cake that was a favorite comfort food and stored on the marble sideboard.

Because the house was old and its off-grade foundation had settled like an old woman’s bone structure, it was virtually impossible to walk across the floor without causing the dozens of prisms to start their chorus. I recall the reprimands directed at me and my cousins that we sounded like a herd of elephants tromping through the house.

The light that shone on countless family gatherings is being passed on to the next generation. I like being the courier.

7 comments:

Pinkshoelady said...

What a wonderful description. It was so vivid that I was transported there. It reminded me of my Granny's house. For one brief moment I was back there and could smell the smells, hear the chaos of lots of relatives and feel Granny's arms around me telling me how proud she is of me once again. Thank you. It is a memory I will cherish all day long!
Pamela

Skoots1moM said...

so sweet
love your writing
:)

sara said...

such good memories and I love that now more memories will be made!

Melanie said...

I was "right there" in your reminiscing.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Robin Lambright said...

Isn't it amazing how an object can spark a memory of a loved one or special moment. I get such a feeling of love when I pull our my grandmothers dishes or her silver tea pot. Remembering our loved ones is so special especially when we have the privilege of passing on that history to the ones we love.

I know this precious heirloom will bring you and your much happiness.

Blessings
Robin

Skoots1moM said...

http://skirkman.blogspot.com/2009/06/story-tagdoncha-doncha-wanna.html

have a great weekend.

Karen said...

You are such an artist with words!
This reminds me of Grandmother's chandelier and how she only heated that room at Thanksgiving and Christmas! I can see the rainbows shimmering on the wall from the sunlight through the crystal teardrops.