Post 1626
Gerald was a master carpenter, his wife Mildred produced intricate embroidery. For sixty years they worked side by side in their workshop, creating works of art to order.
When their once strong and nimble fingers weakened it was time to retire, but not before they made something special for themselves. And so it was, they crafted two each of their most elaborate pieces ever. Soon after they passed away, within days of each other.
*
Two magnificent oak coffins, each bearing a beautiful silk blanket sat side by side in the chapel. Little Molly stood between them, lifted a violin to her shoulder and softly played her grandparent’s favourite song…
If I were a carpenter…
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and also providing this week’s picture.
Lives well lived, Keith
They certainly were. Thanks Neil.
Touching and a fitting end. Nice complete story Keith.
Thanks so much Iain
Dear Keith,
I can just hear little Molly playing the song on her violin. Very sweet story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Me too! Thanks, Rochelle.
Such a touching and beautiful story, Keith. Loved it.
I’m pleased you liked it moon. Thank you.
Beautiful idea! It’s both sad and poignant that their final project together was to create their resting places.
Lucky couple! Spared long enough to complete their work, and then passing away almost simultaneously. You can’t do better than that.
Nicely written, Keith.
Perfect! Thanks Penny.
Such a lovely story, Keith.
Very kind of you Sandra.
Sounds like they had a good family business.
I’m sure they did. Cheers Michael
Beautifully done, Keith! Such a clever final line. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
That’s very kind of you, thanks, Susan.
Who would think that planning for your death would turn into such a sweet and compelling story. True love.
If only it was always that way. Cheers Dale
This is lovely Keith!
Thanks so much
It’s a joyful thing when two people can be together until the end.
It certainly must be. Thanks mimi.
Awww…that is so lovely, and now I have that song in my head.
Me too! Cheers Dawn.
Ah, a happy story with a perfect ending 🙂
I thought it would make a change! Thanks so much.
Well done Gerald and Mildred. Well told, Keith. 😉
Well done Christine for dropping by! Cheers
A beautiful tale, Keith. Loved the writing here.
Kind of you Varad.
Such a sweet tale Keith.
Thank you Anurag
What a touching and entirely satifying tale Keith. Nicely done
Kind of you to say so Lynn.
My pleasure
A story of a well-lived life. Quite sweet.
It must have been so satisfying. Cheers draliman
Beautifully done! It brought a lump to my throat.
Thanks so much for reading my tale and leaving your lovely comment.
A touching write. Beautifully crafted.
Very kind of you, thanks so much YS
Wow! That’s so sweetly awesome! Reminds me of the story: The Shoemaker and the Elves!💐💐💐
I didn’t know of this book, but thanks to you and Mr Google I now do! Thank you.
👍
Lovely story. Now that’s how to live a good life.
Indeed. Cheera EA
What a lovely story. Very vivid. I like the way you bring in the violin lifted to Molly’s shoulder.
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Jilly.
I really love this… actually reminds me a bit of my wife’s uncle who bought himself a wrought iron cross that was supposed for his grave and put in his garden…
“I really want to enjoy the cross while I can”
That is delightful Bjorn, thanks for sharing it with us.
Gulp. Well done, Keith. Poignant without going over the top.
Just as I hoped! Thanks Sascha.
What a beautiful story, Keith. I really loved it. Very touching.
xx Rowena
That’s very kind of you Reena, thank you.
Beautiful 🙂
Thanks so much
SImply beautiful
Thank you Anna.
Talk about planning ahead!
Always wise I think, you never know! Cheers Alice
But they timed it perfectly.
Awww! what a sweet and sad story. But at least they both didn’t live alone for too long. They might be somewhere together.
…in a little workshop in the sky making angels’ cloaks and harps! Thanks, Norma.
What a beautiful story. We had a similar incident happen here recently. A western writer, Dusty Richards and wife, Pat, died within a week of each other. A couple of months before, she had predicted that she and Dusty would both die at the same time in a car accident–which is exactly what killed them. The closing song at Dusty’s funeral was “Together Again” by Buck Owens. It was very fitting.
That happens I’m sure. What a perfect song they chose. Thanks for telling us about it.
What a lovely story and so well written.
So kind of you to say so Clare, thank you.
An endearing story with the added touch of little Molly playing their favorite song. Touching!
Thanks for your kind words Brenda
What a beautiful love story 🙂
Thank you for dropping by.
i think they deserve to have their cake and it, too, in the end. 🙂
They probably made cake for the wake as well! Thanks plaridel.
There is a lovely “old world feeling” to this – with a wonderfully inspired idea of “one final act” – but for each other. And you’ve written it elegantly, sensitively, without it falling into sloppy sentiment. Definitely a very subtle touch, introducing the granddaughter and violin. This is a great story to read and savour.
Wow, I’m lost for words – and that’s unusual! Thank you so so much for your encouraging comment. Until you read readers thoughts you can’t be certain that your piece has come across in the way intended. On this occasion, it seems that my mission was accomplished!
my pleasure to read and share my thoughts Keith 🙂
hope you have a wonderful weekend
Oh this is so lovely Keith!
Thank you so much, Laurie
This definitely wasn’t over sentimental or sloppy, Keith! It’s as well crafted as those two coffins. From this glimpse we see their entire life together working side-by-side through life’s curveballs, and then moving on together too. Inspirational relationship goals! Well written story 🙂
Fatima, thanks so much for taking the time to read my piece and leave such a complimentary comment. It makes it all worthwhile!
Very sweet tender story Keith. Loved it.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it Dan, thank you.
Absolutely beautiful, Keith!
I’m delighted you found it so, thanks Liz.l
Loved it, every word, every line.
Wow, what can I say? Thank you so very much for your kind words – every one!
Beautifully penned Keith
So kind of you Dahlia.Thank you.
Touching story, Keith…
Masterpiece.
Thanks for your kind words Anita.
Keith, in so few words, you told us a long and beautiful love story. The song’s title was the perfect cap!
That is so kind of you Jan, thank you.
Oh my gosh what a beautiful sad story! Really well told. I felt like I was being pulled on a thread to the end you kind of saw coming but when I got there it was so powerful with the song. Very moving.
Your kind words make writing it all the more worthwhile. Thank you so very much.
Together until the end… beautiful
So they were. Thank you Susie
Poignant story and beautifully written.
Thank you so much
sad and lovely at the same time…
I do not know that song – is it a real song? going to see…
It certainly is – made famous in 1967 by Bobby Darin who died age just 37. Thanks for you visit Prior
sad- 37 is so young
well it felt old when i was a teen – but you know how it is when we age…
the 30s are still youngen years
i will check out the song
My husband and I wish for a life and death like this, Keith.
So well penned.
Not many are that fortunate I fear. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Soumya