The Chair

Names have been changed for privacy protection.  This is a true story.

Sometimes I think our home is simply a warehouse, where people drop off furniture for us to deal with. We currently have furniture from ten different family/ friend members, some of whom have passed away. Add on top of this the merger of our Arizona furniture “post Trump”, and having Junior's condo furniture come in ...let's just say that our household made good use of the Kijiji website to sell off what we did not need. For instance, we had a really nice, clean, comfy recliner, rocker (was like new), but when Junior's “leather” arm chair came in, this “bonded leather” recliner/ rocker had to go.

I really did not want to sell this chair as it was always so incredibly comfortable, just perfect to relax in, but it was perhaps a bit too big for the space it was in and was just not getting used that much. I reluctantly put it on Kijiji, but at perhaps a healthy price. I decided later I could let it go for whatever price, but I certainly wanted it to go to the right family as I did not want it to get abused, then get wrecked prematurely. It still needed a life of usefulness and something that I could not provide. I reminded myself that loving thoughts do manifest.

After no interest was shown via web despite their research, I had to lower the price, and finally yesterday, a young couple starting out came by in their big, beat up, old SUV on what was a sunny, lazy, summer day to inspect the goods. Darren, the driver was the handsome prince in his cool shades, but scruffy beard, was a young geologist from Conoco Philips in the oil and gas industry. And yes he knew Stan whom I used to work with and so we had a connection. Lorna, the young mother to be, with her reddish brown straggly hair, freckles, and smeared on mascara and red lipstick from a few days ago, looked so tired and uncomfortable getting out of the vehicle despite loose clothing, and stress showing on her forehead. Her mannerism was a little immature perhaps, but you knew this was her first time for just about everything. 

She explained she was expecting twins in the heat of the summer, which meant short term discomfort for long term blessing. She was waddling when carrying her babies in a basket ball of a tummy. She was not having her best day I concluded, poor thing! She was the princess, and the driver was her prince who was such a caring, charming gentleman to make sure she was alright every step of the way as she shuffled her feet closer to the chair in our garage. You just knew he was always going to be there for her in her time of need. I know I was with a special couple as a result of their politeness,wholesomeness, and caring shown for each other. In my opinion, I saw them for who they really were, honest and genuine. We clicked!

Seeing the chair for the first time, so welcoming with open arms, there was only one thing on her mind, her mission. You ought to have seen the expression on her face when she along with her basket slid into that smooth, soft, cool chair (ooooh, aaaah)! She had this big beaming, relaxing smile like she has never had for weeks!!! After some blissful gliding, rocking, done so effortlessly, I made her raise her feet up for more pleasure and she did not want to get up after that. She was going to stay there forever, just so relaxed that her eyes were getting heavy and I thought she was going to fall asleep in my garage! The chair fit her strained body just right. At the same time as her relaxed state, she lit up like a lamp in a euphoric state and showed her beauty from within. I was her angel for having that chair! Her partner asked should we buy and she said, "Oooohhh Yyyyeeeessss!" He pulled out his wallet in quick fashion! I realized then that my silent prayer had been answered.

I looked into her eyes and told her that I was very happy to sell the chair at a discounted price, as I knew it was going into a really good home, where the chair was needed and appreciated. I had one condition and that was she needed to send me a picture in August after the twins were born, with the twins and her in that chair. My request made them feel welcome and special and perhaps caught them a bit by surprise, but for which they happily agreed to! I was not just a stranger now, but a friend. I gave them my real email address so they could contact me later. The prince said he would send two pictures, one before with her eating two ice cream cones at once (so I could show my 98 year old Aunt), then one after the fact, but I think she must have talked to him about that first picture later as I have not seen it yet!

Under challenge, we cautiously placed the chair in their SUV, making sure it was protected, not to scar it in anyway. Lorna's seat had to be moved forward a bit in the front to have enough room, at her discomfort going home. They borrowed a torn blanket to keep the chair from getting dusty. This showed me that they really wanted ”her” chair to remain perfect for what is to be, and that is to be the centre stage for their family for years to come, and after its time, there will be memories for what it was. Why not and so I threw in a couple of sleeping bags no longer needed for free for their drive home which they appreciated. 

We were so comfortable with each other and the transaction that took place. This is the way that capitalism is supposed to work! 

Interesting that our tulips magically came out in bloom when we were together for our moment, which I found when I turned my back as they drove off. When studying the tulips, I felt satisfied that I was the best that I could be for them in that moment...