Best Gifts

I love flowers. When I started thinking about best gifts, in response to our class prompt, a favourite vase immediately sprung to mind. I live in a condo and when I moved into it I was ruthless in disposing of possessions accumulated through a lifetime. It is only now as a result of this prompt that I perceive that of the few items I have retained from past homes, vases figure prominently.

There is the white classic fine china vase given me on a birthday by my late son Casey. I was amazed at that time, and remain so, that at about the age of 11 he had shopped for and chosen such a lovely piece, apparently at Ogilvie’s in Billings Bridge! Casey always had a wonderful eye. I keep it because I love it and I keep it because Casey gave it to me.

I see a second vase, given me by my husband when we were living in New Brunswick. Blue and white pottery, easily identifiable as a product of a known local artist we admired. Again, I keep it because I love it but I keep it in memory of my darling Paul.

Then there is the bright turquoise ceramic vase sent me by my mother when she was in her 60s from Honduras. Once more, a memento of a loved person as well as lovely object.

But there is a fourth and very handsome vase – hammered steel – created in MerrickVille, and given me by my son Ian. It is the most recent of these favourite gifts, less than 10 years. I use all my vases, but this one more than any of the others. I sure hope it won’t become a memento too!