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In 2004, my life was totally different.

A different husband.

A different last name.

A different home.

A different library job.

My life was different – and when I look back, it was better. I had people in my life who hadn’t died yet – and I didn’t realize how precious it was – that life, then, pinpoint, that time.

2004 – good year, good people, good life.

I was teaching at Luella Middle School – the best library media center job I’ve ever had – from collection to staff to faculty to students – and my drive was short from my hometown of Griffin. On the way to school, one morning, I saw an old barn sale.

I made a stop – and saw it.

The mantle was old and the man said it may have come out of the old Weems Plantation – of which was down the road a bit. I didn’t believe him – or maybe he was telling me the truth – but it was beautiful. Best of all, she was CHEAP.

I called my husband from work and he went and bought it.

That mantle would last longer than my marriage.

When I lost my home, it went with me to my new home.

It went with me when I met someone and remarried.

The mantle was my constant.

Christmases – she was decorated.

Easter – she was decorated.

Weekly – she was polished.

She saw my life transition in so many ways, she was part of my life, this antique, this old part of someone else’s life – Weems Plantation or not – she was in the Hendricks-Browning-Childress homes.

In June, I moved to Savannah. Not sure what to do with the mantle, I carried her in the back of my truck and set her up in my back room until I could decide what to do with her. I decided to sell her -I needed to move on – dismantle, I guess, would be the word.

Today, someone comes to get her, sold for exactly what I paid for her. She’s been a good friend – and has now traveled to the Coastal area of Georgia, where she will celebrate another family’s Christmases and holidays – and of course, be polished weekly.

Goodbye, old friend.

Thank you for the memories.

Change isn’t always a bad thing –