I find myself wondering for far too long how I can convey the goodness of this handmade ceramic wreath, so I suppose I should just begin and tell its good story. I made this wreath decades ago while attending ceramics classes at the wonderful ceramics shop owned by my mother-in-law. I should back up.
In my late teens, I started attending ceramics classes with Marie (my then boyfriend's mother) in a local lady's tiny basement. In love with the craft, Marie later began offering ceramics classes of her own in her own basement; and her tiny business quickly outgrew its space and eventually grew into the largest ceramics shop in western Pennsylvania where it thrived for 25 years.
I made this wreath in Marie's basement back then as a gift for my sister. It did not, however, turn out as I had hoped; and disappointed with it, I took it home sad. My father, who rarely said much and even more rarely expressed emotion, noticed my sadness and gave me a pep talk to my huge surprise, offering words of encouragement and comfort. What stirred him to show this unusual kindness I do not know, but I treasure the moment even now.
I gave the wreath to Anna; and she enjoyed it for many, many years. During those years, I developed a fondness for gingerbread men with their sweet smiles and simple nature; and they became a bit of theme in my kitchen Christmas decorating. One Christmas day, Anna arrived with a gift beautifully wrapped in an elegant, hand-sewn-by-her drawstring bag. She handled it with such great care that I knew the hidden gift inside would be very, very special. And it was. With a touching, handwritten note folded neatly and tucked into the back of the wreath, she explained that the gingerbread wreath belonged with me. With my treasured memory of my father's rare display of love and my love of all things gingerbread, I should have the wreath she said.
My husband gave his time during a busy day to help me make this photo. So here it is about 40 years old now; and like the smell of freshly-baked gingerbread, the wreath evokes warm, fuzzy feelings. With it in my hands ready to be packed away until next Christmas, I feel the love of family and the joy of giving.
I praise you, Lord, for everything good about this gingerbread wreath.
Such a touching and heart warming story. I can't imagine why you were disappointed with the wreath, but how wonderful that it now brings pleasure to you.
"Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down shaken together and running over..." And, sometimes, the very thing we were impressed to give comes back to us and becomes a double blessing...once when we gave and again when we receive back that which we surrendered to the Lord. Love your ceramic wreath and the story behind it. So special! Thanks for sharing all!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful history of the gingerbread wreath. It says so much and appreciation of all little things. I can't imagine what you were initially disappointed in the ceramic wreath - it's just lovely.
