Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: FINISH (05/26/16)
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TITLE: Banished Treasure, Memories, and Melody | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Brock
05/31/16 -
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She is dusty, dirty, and moldy, but overall in great physical condition. All she needs is some special care and a new coat or two. How long has it been, old friend? At least, what? Twenty or so years? The last time I saw you Melody was rocking gently in your arms. She was only ten, but she wanted one last ride before you were carried away to the basement; banished for taking up precious space.
I carry the old rocker to the garage and give her a once over. First job is to clean her up by getting rid of all that crud. As I gently rub cleaner over her back, arms, legs, and seat, stories and memories flood my senses. Well, the cleaning agent is probably contributing to the tears in my eyes, just a little.
What a good friend you've been to us, girl. Brand new when Pop bought you for Mama Linda. Did you feel as young and frisky as they were, when you first rocked my Granny G to sleep? I wish I could have seen that! Granny G always swore Mama Linda survived her first three babies only because of your magical powers. Do you still feel magical, girl?
Sanding all her nooks, crannies, and curves takes time, but I know she's worth the trouble, so I go at it with all my might. I can't wait to see her transformation. I can't wait to apply the new finish I've selected for her.
You're gonna love your makeover! I can't wait to see...you'll feel so much better and will look new, and hip, but still classy. I promise...Oh, me… I promise not to paint you like Granny G. What was she thinking? The pictures I've seen are hideous. Maybe that green color was the style in her day, but… well, we both know how my Mama felt about it. Mama loved you, especially the memories of Granny G cuddling up with her and Uncle Kevin each night. Do you Remember? She read them story after story, until they were both sound asleep. Mama did you right though...returning you to your original glory.
“I'm sorry I let you get in such bad shape in the basement. Hope you love your new color as much as I do,” I say to our oldest family friend. The first coat of the dark walnut stain glides on, and I can see her come to life right before my eyes.
“You look absolutely beautiful, girl! I can't wait for my Melody to see you,” I say, stepping back to admire my handiwork. Memories of sitting in that old rocker, rocking baby doll after baby doll, opens the flood gates. You and me rocked a many a baby didn't we? Baby dolls, baby cousins, then of course, my Melody and Jack. You never failed me, never.
The second coat of polyurethane is drying, and I couldn't be more pleased. The only thing left to do now is add a big pink bow before the shower on Sunday. “You are the best present I could ever give Melody, and allowing you to do the job you love again is the best present I could ever give you.”
The bow is in place and my girl sits in a place of honor waiting for Melody's arrival. “You ready to go again, girl? Don't let me down, now. I can see you still have that magic touch,” I say, closing my eyes to remember the generations she's served. A screech slices through my thoughts. Opening my eyes I see her rockers gently swaying. “What the...” I look for an open window, but all are closed. “That's my girl… you're rarin' to go, aren't ya?” I say, taking a seat in her newly manicured arms.
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It took me a while to figure out it was a rocker, but I enjoyed guessing. This was a tender and endearing piece.