July 02, 2005
Value: $20

bee-tile.jpg

My lower lip trembled as I peeled back the tape on the packaging. The customs declaration said “painted glass coaster. Value: $20”

By the time I had revealed the contents, a bee-painted tile that I admired in Dad’s studio in March, my eyes were full of tears. I picked it carefully from its cushioning, held it in both hands, and sobbed.

Twenty dollars…plus a childhood’s worth of memories, a lifetime of admiration, and a few moments of grown-up regrets. How infrequently we sum the true worth of the people we love. And we let them know even more seldom.

Mom, Tod, Jenn, Helen, Dan, Jean, John, Kris, Jeremy, MJ, Tracey, Jo, Jonathan, Sachiko, Jim, Yuka, Bob, Dave, and my myriad friends and relations: you’re worth so much more than your declared value. I cherish you.

Posted by kuri at July 02, 2005 10:14 AM

Comments

Oh sweetie. What a beautiful present.

We would never, ever put you in a bargain sale either.

Posted by: MJ on July 2, 2005 10:22 AM

Glad it arrived unbroken. When I was filling out the customs form, priceless was my first thought as value stated but knew I’d have to justify it.

Posted by: Fran on July 2, 2005 06:51 PM

That is stunning… priceless definitely. And so are you my friend!!

Posted by: T on July 2, 2005 10:49 PM

I love you too.

Dad was wanting to make a glass window with a sundial in it - all of the ones he researched had bees in them. (http://advanceassociates.com/Sundials/Stained_Glass/)

Your bee was a study I’ll bet. I have a little one he gave me. I will cherish it forever.

Posted by: Jenn on July 3, 2005 12:09 AM
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