The Vintage Suitcase

in
IMG_5047 copy.jpg

A few nights ago, I attended a White Elephant Party at the home of my friend, Marlee. It was another gathering of The Mermaids; this time to celebrate the holidays together in a fun and festive way.

As the party was winding down, Marlee brought out an old brown suitcase that had been in her family for years. She said she was getting rid of things she no longer needed.

Then, she commented, “Bev, before I sell or donate this suitcase, I wanted to ask if you might like to have it - to use it as a decoration in The Bungalow. I know you love antiques.”

I recognized it immediately as a vintage Samsonite bag. Manufactured in the 1950s, perhaps. The bag was in great shape - inside and out. So, without hesitation and with much appreciation, I claimed the suitcase as my own and carried it home.

One might think this is the end of a sweet little story, but it isn’t.

image.jpg

The next morning, while drinking my first cup of coffee of the day, I walked past the refrigerator, and, for the first time, noticed the featured photo on the December page of my 2018 calendar.

Oh my…there on the page was a picture of an old brown suitcase. A Samsonite suitcase. Made in the 1950s, perhaps. Exactly like the one Marlee had given me just the night before!

Admittedly, I didn’t know what to think about this uncanny coincidence. It was a bit unsettling, at first. But, after awhile, it didn’t seem strange at all.

Instead, it reminded me, in a most serendipitous way, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, at exactly the right time. And, apparently, I am acquiring special things I’m simply supposed to have.