The Red Garden Ladder
I always have a story for everything....part of the reason may be because my Mom passed away when my oldest son was only 2 and my Father passed when I was 7 months pregnant with my second son...which means my oldest is the only one who ever met my parents...my younger two only have stories and I want them to know as much as possible about their Grandma and Grandpa and all the others in the family that they unfortunately never met. I attach some stories to objects when I can. This ladder is no exception. When I was born my parents were living in their dream home that my father built from the ground up all by himself starting with clearing the land and then building the house. When I came along we lived in the house but a lot of finishing work needed to be done and anytime a ladder was used inside or for small jobs outside, this red ladder was it. There are so many paint stains on it...so many colors that remind me of rooms of that home....moments spent sitting on the floor or on the ground watching my Dad paint....talking, talking, talking to him....him making me laugh....lots of good, good memories. I have had this ladder for years. When I first bought my house, Daddy gave it to me to use around my new home. The ladder has seen better days...it isn't very sturdy and I long ago replaced it with a lightweight metal one but could never bring myself to part with it. The ladder was originally my Dad's Mom's ladder...Daddy and Grandma loved to garden and so do I...so this year, I decided to put the ladder in the front garden bed. Daddy spent many summer days sitting out on the ground in front of this house after dinner {after my Mom passed away Daddy came over for dinner almost daily...it was so nice to have him}...we would sit outside on the lawn with my oldest son running around the yard and playing while Daddy held my totally spoiled Pomeranian and we just talked, enjoyed each other's company and enjoyed those summer evenings. The ladder now sits a few feet from where we did, holding a simple wooden church and lots of memories and the opportunity for so many stories and times spent with my boys sitting on the lawn telling them about their Grandpap and those precious summer evenings.
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What a beautiful story and a very cool ladder! I love old, worn, loved stuff! Saw you at the Winthrop Chronicles.
Thanks, Danni ~ I love old worn stuff as well. : )
I absolutely adore this ladder! I love your story too, what sweet memories you have. I am sorry for the loss of your parents, I lost my dad a few years back and this ladder reminds me of him somehow, and makes my heart happy 🙂
I'm so sorry about the loss of your father, also. I'm glad the ladder made your heart happy.... : )
I love it--I have a similar ladder--might have to pull it out :)! Thanks for linking up.
I would love to see what you do with your ladder! : )
Love the ladder and love the story that goes with it!
That's a fabulous story and a great way to keep enjoying the ladder and the memories. What a wonderful idea!
THanks for sharing your story!
Thank you also for linking up -
Stacey of Embracing Change
This is a really cute idea. Love it, Thank you so much for linking with "Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop". Hope you link again this Wednesday.
Debi Bolocofsky
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
There is truly a story behind to an old things like this ladder. Glad to hear about it and I really appreciate. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Mary Beth, thank you so much for staring the wonderful history behind your treasure! Decorating with items that have meaning and evoke memories is my favorite way to decorate.
Jenn
Thanks so much, Jenn~ : )
I liked your red ladder before your story, now I like it more!
Thanks, Debra! : )
I love the beautiful and sweet memories your ladder brings to you. What a blessing that you had that quality time with your Dad and that your children can know your parents thru your sweet memories.
Thank you for the sweet comment, Carolyn! It touched my heart.