Sunday, October 26, 2014

A White Treasure

My father-in-law loved to carve, and was a talented craftsman.  He carved many different types of ducks and geese.  One day when I was visiting their mountain home, I noticed a row of wooden carved ducks up on the high window sill.




I was particularly taken with this beautiful white one.  To my surprise as I was leaving that day, he took down and handed me that precious white duck he carved, and said "this is for you."  I was so happy because I had admired it all day.


My father-in-law passed away a few days ago at 90 years old, and I will always remember his kindness throughout my life.


He was a father to ten children, a hard working man, and a jolly grandfather.  I have been drinking my tea all week in this peace cup and thinking about him.  May you be in peace now, Grandpa Jim, and I will always love you.


~Sheri

30 comments:

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am crying.

To be a man, a father, a grandfather and a GOOD ONE..that is a tall order. He make his mark, and now you have these memories. May your children walk in his footsteps, dear friend. Anita

Teresa said...

I'm sure he left behind much more than his Art... he knew, that day, to recognise your heart's wish and that speaks not only of an amazing sould but a generous one to add to the blessing.
You, your husband obvioulsy, and your children will honor and cherish the memories in the years to come and that's what will give him peace on Heaven.
I'll say a prayer for your sad hearts tonight,
Teresa

And remember:

"To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell"

Susie said...

Sheri, This is a sweet tribute to your father-in-law. He really was talented. I know that duck is even more special now. May God ease the pain of your loss. Bless your heart, xoxo,Susie

Stephanie said...

My dearest Sheri, he sound like an amazing man and what a privelge for you to know him and experience his love and kindness.

May the Lord bring you and your family comfort and peace durng this time of loss - praying for you. Sending love your way!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sheri, your father-in-law sounds like a wonderful person, and I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this time. Bx

TARYTERRE said...

What a special man. And such a wonderful memento. memories to cherish for sure.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Sheri,

Such a beautiful tribute to your dear Father in law and so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Sending my love and prayers to you and your family at this time.
May you find comfort with the happy memories you shared.
Sending hugs
Carolyn

NanaDiana said...

Awww, Sheri---that puts a big lump in my throat. What a wonderful man and I am glad he was your father-in-law. You were a lucky girl...but then, he was lucky, too! xo Diana

ps. Your duck is a real treasure!

Noelle the dreamer said...

Beautiful Sheri! There are indeed some very special people in our lives and they touch us in ways we shall cherish always.
God bless,

Patricia said...

Dear Sheri, so sorry to hear about the loss of Grandfather Jim. What a beautiful man he was, and how lovely to have given you that lovely duck. To have produced such art, it is obvious he was a special, lovely man. Your tribute is beautiful. xxx

Sola Scriptura said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you ladies great big hugs.

Michelle B said...

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father in law. I know nothing will fill the spot he held in your heart, but I hope sweet memories help you smile soon.

Unknown said...

awww you are such a sweet person
may his soul rest in peace and heaven

Magda Carvalho said...

Love the details the imagens is so cute and pretty
http://retromaggie.blogspot.pt/

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I know you will miss him, Sheri but he sure lived a long life and you've made a lot of good memories. Those will help you. Sweet caring hugs my friend, Diane

Merlesworld said...

That is a lovely carving of a duck, sad to hear he has passed away.
Merle..........

abrianna said...

Sheri,

I am so sorry to hear of your father in laws passing. I am glad he carved that duck for you and your second photo of the raindrops on the leaf is beautiful.

I have a picture on my blog today of a rose-hope you come see it as I think it will cheer you up.

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

What sweet words about a wonderful man. So sorry about your father in law Sheri, may your memories of him comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
xoxo Mary

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

A lovely tribute to a very special man in your life, Sheri. I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm sure his love and kindness will live on in your heart and be passed down by his loved ones. A very special gift he gave you. Sending you hugs xo Karen

Ann said...

My prayers go out to you and your family. I know how hard it is to lose loved one. His duck is a true treasure. And I love that mug/cup.

http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com

Kristie said...

Oh Sherri, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Your F-I-L sounds like a wonderful man and a very talented one too. Hand wood carving is really a lost art and I don't know of very many men who do it. It is a beautiful duck, a reminder of the kind and generous man he was. I'm sure you will always treasure it.

My deepest sympathy to you, your husband and family.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful tribute, dear friend. I have been praying for you and your loved ones, peace most of all.
(((Hugs)))
Marcia

Unknown said...

Oh Sheri dear, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This is a lovely remembrance of a very special man. The duck is simply priceless and you will always remember his love and care when you see it. We will celebrate my Father-on-Law's 90th in a couple of weeks. He is failing rapidly and we are hoping he is around to enjoy the family gathering. I'm thinking of you and your family during this sad time, Sheri. Hugs and love, Heather

Magda Carvalho said...

Thx
http://retromaggie.blogspot.pt/

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Sheri,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of the Grandfather to your children and to a Father in Law who was revered and loved so well.
Beautiful tribute and what a lovely hand carved treasure you have.
Love,
Jemma

Deserae said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet father in law. You have a very special treasure and memory to remember him by. I will be praying for you and your family.(((HUGS)))
~Des

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning darling sister! Oh my sweet, how nice that your husband had a week off with you to roost together in your new HOME!!!! But with the passing of his dad, it had to be a very difficult time. But you spent it together, and that is what makes it all a better road to follow. May your day be filled with gentle reflections of all the blessings in your life. Thank you for coming by! Much love to you, Anita

R's Rue said...

Beautiful

Anonymous said...

lovely blog!

pinks said...

A beautiful tribute to your father in law. I hope through this time, you can be at a peace with your family. It was beautiful he gave you that carving, what a beautiful reminder on his beautiful work. Wow to live till 90, such a long life- i hope we all get to that age. I'm sure you'll never forget him. Peace & prayers to you and your family at this time.