How to Edit?

Really, is there such a thing as a "how to edit" for a girl who loves all things that sparkle as well as all things that are more than a little loved, tattered and rusty? I've been shaking up my downstairs in anticipation of my "First Annual Black Friday Shopping and Desert Party". Let me just say, I have the most amazing ability to pack an enormous amount of goodies into such a small amount of space. This will be the third time I have attempted to edit dishware, OK, this time I didn't give up any dishes so I moved to glassware. All right, I didn't give up glassware either, well maybe two glasses.

My very best friend in the whole wide world, for the longest time gave me and my husband two beautiful champagne flutes for our wedding. My friend passed away within a year after I married. Since that time I have always used the champagne flutes to celebrate his birthday on October 31st, mine as well since its just a few days later. It occurred to me as I pulled them out of the cabinet that it seemed a shame that I only used them once a year. The exception being the year my best friend in Indiana married. I was honored to have their wedding reception at my home. The bride and groom used those special glasses to toast their new future together. A joyful use of the glasses and an excellent way to remember a lost friend.

That was several years ago and I find that I no longer need the glasses to remember my dear friend. I honor him in my heart and that is all that really matters, not the things left behind. As I was washing them and trying to decide if I could really "edit" them out of my life, I thought of the last time they were used joyfully. Owen and Celeste toasting to their new life together and to the blending of their two families as they became one. Now, one of their daughters, Laura is going to marry Michael and they will be toasting with the same champagne flutes, as my offer of flutes were accepted today from the bride to be. I am sure Jeff is looking down with approval.

So in the end, I did part with things that had been very special to me, but my heart still carries the memories and that in the end is really all that matters