Saving A Memory

     February isn't here yet but I already have gotten a birthday gift from my husband.  Over the past few weekends he seemed to take an unusual interest in an old table we have.  The table used to belong to my Vovo.  I acquired in when my parents cleaned out his apartment after his death in 1996.  It was on of the few items I selected to keep as a memento of the many hours I spent in my grandparents company.  Watching television was one of their big past times and they used to keep a small television set on this table.  Years later when they finally could afford a big floor model set they still chose to sit in the room with the little television.  My seat of choice was always on the floor at my Vavo's side.  My eyes were always in line with that table and just looking at it brings back the warm cozy feeling I used to receive just being in their presence. 

     I don't know what the table's original purpose was but my Vovo had a glass top placed on it so that it could hold the television set.  The table was host to my crystal animal collection until my grandson Gabe moved in.  The animals all migrated to the safety of a box in the basement after several were injured by an inquisitive toddler.  The glass top also had to be discarded after it developed a crack or two, also a product of the same adorable toddler.  During the Christmas season the table is host to my collection of angels.  This year I mentioned that we should probably discard the table.  It is not in the best shape and our house is a bit crowded.  The warm memories that the table hold are in my heart and head and I don't need the physical object to recall the times I shared with my grandparents.

       This weekend my husband picked up a glass top that he had ordered for the table.  He took our grandson Jr and together they went to a fabric store to select material to replace the old worn out one that covered the table.  My husband insisted on matching the original covering as closely as possible while Jr believed a teddy bear fabric would have been the better choice.  Mike then spent the rest of Saturday afternoon repairing the table top.  My Vovo must have repaired it a few times because there were assorted screws and nails holding the top piece together.  The weird thing is when my husband first said it was my birthday gift I wasn't very appreciative but having thought about it I must say it is a very thoughtful gift.

      Discarding the table was my idea but it was a decision my husband knew I would regret.  He knows how beloved my grandparents were to me.  Most of my favorite childhood memories include time spent in the company of these wonderful people.  My own house was chaotic and stressful and the refuge they provided saved my sanity.  I give up many things so that others in the family may benefit.    Giving up the table would have meant more room for my grandsons kitchen set that they received from Santa.  Without my saying that was why I agreed to get rid of the table my husband knew what I was thinking.  He moved the living room furniture around so that there is ample room for the table and the kitchen set. Most times I believe this man does not understand me at all then he does something like this and I know he does get me after all.