DEAR GLIDER: A Chat With An Inanimate Object
"Hello my dear friend Glider. I just wanted you to know how important you have been to me and my entire family. During the warm weather months, you have brought friends and family together as the focus of many photo opportunities we’ve shared. I love that about you. Some of my favorite photos of my Mom are when she was centered here in the middle with her seven grandchildren surrounding her.
You have held many special beings throughout your 30+ years as the focal point of our family’s outdoor patio. Even though your cushions are original, worn and cracking, you remain a familiar and comfortable gathering place. The little creek sounds you make when gliding continue to this day. Even WD-40 won’t take them away.
I think Chrissy, or was it Patti, had her “first kiss” while sitting upon you. How thrilling that must have been. It was exciting for me to watch from my bedroom window above.
And oh, when Dad would come home after one too many at the Last Stop and Mom would tell him “if you are gonna smoke, go out on the patio.” He’d plop his weary body on you, eventually falling asleep until the next time nature called.
Do you remember when my dog Buttons was nearing his final days. I would sit with him for hours just rocking back and forth. When his tremors would slow down and he’d finally fall asleep, I’d take a break leaving him in your care after I placed the baby gate underneath you to keep him from falling.
There was the time when you comforted Aunt Helen and Uncle Hank as they waited patiently while Dad kept going way back to the garden to fetch more tomatoes and cucumbers and zucchini for them to take home to their family. The table in front of you could hardly hold all the fresh veggies Dad always shared.
Many, many birthday candles have been wished upon right in front of you. I don’t think you realize how special you have been to so many visitors over the years. You are the highlight of our outdoor space as you continue to create memories for all of us.
For me, peace and serenity exude from your stern metal frame allowing me time to reflect, learn and grow. I kind of selfishly count on you at times to give me the proper answers to dilemmas in my life. And you have, you have helped me through some rough times. And my writing, gosh, so many pieces that I have scribbled over the years have come to life right here with you.
On occasion when Mom was still with us, she and Dad had conversations about replacing you. They felt you might be tired and worn out. But they never did. They had thoughts of simply replacing your cushions at one point. But they could never find any that would fit just right. And now I don’t think anyone ever will. You have since proven your strength and endurance for many lifetimes.
Do you watch those birds in the nests above all day long? I hate it when they come and do their business on you. But you handle it quite well. And you have shielded many chipmunks and other critters from Mother Nature no doubt.
Grandma, who lived to be almost 103, faithfully sat upon you when the weather was warm enough for her to be outside. She would whistle adorable tunes and witness nature unfold in our back yard as she gently swayed back and forth. Do you remember Grandma loving to scratch others backs? Her hands, her touch were so special. Any time someone, anyone would sit next to her, automatically her arm would rise to begin giving a back scratch that was filled with love. I miss those days, don’t you?
Recently, during July 4th weekend this year, the entire family gathered to do some much needed work at our family’s home. Still, you were the center of attention. I feel you always will be.
You know in late November when we cover you with the blue plastic tarp, that it is only to protect you. Never think we forgot about you. We always know you are a constant in our lives. As you hibernate for the winter, it allows you to get the rest you need for the very next outdoor gathering every spring.
The only thing I ask of you is that you continue to comfort our next generations. Everyone would be seriously lost without your unconditional support. I thank you! And I’m really glad, my friend, that we found time to have this chat.”
This is Sharyn's Slant
If you are interested in finding a special friend like my Glider, check out places such as TheCloverMarket.com
Comments
AUTHORHi Denise ~ I'm glad you caught it too :) I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment. Thanks for your feedback!
Sharyn
- AUTHOR
Hi Susan ~ thank you for your awesome comment. I appreciate that you can really "see" what I was trying to portray here. I just got back in from sitting on the glider and watching two separate families of birds getting ready to "leave the nest." Interesting how I can still feel my Mom and Grandma out there on the patio with me. Such special memories! Thanks for stopping by and sharing too!
Sharyn
Awww-this was so sweet. What an awesome hub. :) Glad Icaught it.
Oh Sharyn, this is a lovely tribute to your family and the love they shared surrounding the Glider. I could see everything the Glider saw: grandchildren with your mother, your dad smoking in the evening, the family working in the yard, the bird's nest, grandma scratching the backs of those sitting next to her... Makes me "homesick" for my youth with my grandparents and mother. There are things we treasure that others may not see because they do not know the history. Simply wonderful! Thanks for sharing these memories that many can relate to in their memories and/or present. :-)
- AUTHOR
Hi Moonlake ~ I'm glad you enjoyed my story. I'm sure your Grandmother's glider had lots of stories to tell as well. Thank you so much for your comments.
Sharyn
- AUTHOR
Hi Stephanie ~ Our glider is definitely filled with amazing family history. Even though it is getting quite old, it still continues to bring people together. Thank you for your feedback and share too!
Sharyn
Love gliders. My grandmother had one on her porch that faced the road. Everyone that came over would want to sit in that glider. I don't know who ended up with it when she passed away. Enjoyed your story.
Your old glider sounds like it is the keeper of some wonderful family history! I so enjoyed your family stories that centered around the glider. Great hub, voted up and SHARED!
- AUTHOR
Ha, I know, he is so silly!
thomas should change his name to "guffaw sandwiches"
- AUTHOR
Hey Thomas,
You sure know how to make me laugh. Thank you so much for checking this out. I must say that I believe you would also, easily, have a conversation like this, ha!
Sharyn
Sharyn...
I have never met a glider that I didn't like. Yours seems to epitomize the breed! I like how you did this and half-way through began worrying about what happens to "Glider" during winter. I am no longer worried.
Great Job!
Thomas
- AUTHOR
Hey Justin,
I agree! Thanks for stopping by ~ have a great day!
Sharyn
there's nothing quite like an awesome chair :-)
- AUTHOR
Hey Ardie,
If you look up antique gliders, some are worth a ton of money. Something to think about . . . Thanks for stopping by!
Sharyn
I should ask my parents what they plan on doing with the old glider. I know they still use it for now but one day...
- AUTHOR
Aw Tammy, thanks for your comments. I think your swing will be okay for now :) I understand that feeling of something like a swing that gives you comfort. Although it's not the most comfortable, I do love falling asleep on GLIDER - that feeling of warmth and happiness makes me feel good, especially if there is a nice, gentle summer breeze.
I have my old faithful swing in my back yard. It has been subject to extreme heat, rolled over 3 times in major storms, and it is about 10 years old. I love it. It is my quiet reflecting place where I can watch my neighbors horses in a 20 acre field. It is heaven. I think it is jealous that I didn't write a tribute.. Awesome idea and well written!
- AUTHOR
Thanks Ardie!
See, so you understand what I'm talkin' about. I'm glad it brought up happy memories for you. I hope your glider stays in your family for your kids - and beyond - to enjoy!
Sharyn
A beautiful letter to your glider. Amazingly my mom and dad have one too and now that I think about it...it has been the center of so many of our memories too. Its seen picnics, graduation parties, a backyard wedding, a baby shower, and countless beloved cats. Thanks for stirring my memories :)
- AUTHOR
Good Morning Maria,
Thank you for your feedback and awesome support. I really loved when I wrote this one. Funny though that it didn't get the attention I thought it deserved. I thought about changing the title but never did. I am thrilled you found it in the archives. I love the story about your nephew. It makes sense and so sweet that he would ask you to tell him about God. Adorable. Have a beautiful day!
Sharyn
Dear Sharon,
If 'gliders could talk', they would be worth a whole lotta money!
Oh my, to start the day with so many tears of joy, sadness, nostalgia, remembrance and just yearning for those simpler days when we could get all the answers we needed, right on that glider from Mom.
Is it a sin to admit I wanted to laugh but said "honey, later", when my nephew once said "Aunt Maria, you're my GodMother, so tell me all about God." I have the glider but not nearly all the answers... but this piece, Sharon, was one 'from the archives' that I needed to discover.
Simply beautiful in every way- Voted UP & UABI, mar.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Kathy,
What awesome comments you leave. Thank you for the vote of confidence. It appears to not be one of my more popular hubs so I sure appreciate you noticing its uniqueness.
Isn't that CloverMarket video cute with the quaint lil music-ha! I know you well enough to know that you'd like a place like that, no doubt. Thank you again my sweet friend.
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn! What a tribute to a lifelong friend..and one who has held onto her beauty and usefulness! This is a thoroughly unique hub, Sharyn..I love it. And, you've successfully chronicled several decades and generations worth of comfort and joy, pain and sorrow in the lap of this beautiful vintage glider. Just my style, too! I love the design, the era and the outright everyday need of such an attractive piece of outdoor furniture. Again, I have to reiterate..what a unique, individual hub...an idea well worth the reading! And, haven't we all had a beloved familiar chair, couch or settee, glider or rocker that inspired such feelings but, who would have thought to author an ode to it? YOU! Yea! All the positives pushed UP!
Clover Market is just my style! How cool! Love the family pictures, too.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kelly,
Noooooooooooooo, don't get rid of that chair. You'll be too distraught, I'm sure. If you need a break from it, just put a cover over it for a while :)
Have a great day!
Sharyn
Thanks Sharyn - despite trying to navigate all the changes on hub lately - after just thinking I hadnit figured out - crazy! I just changed over to the subdomain name. Don't know what's gonna happen but I'll smoke some cigarettes on my chair and think about it! LOL
Crazy how we become attached to certain objects isn't it? Maybe I just need a new chair!
Hope your day is up and out of sight!
- AUTHOR
See Kel, you can relate and I am not crazy for talking to a glider, right? :) Many cigarettes smoked and who knows what else has been "done" on that glider - ha.
Thank you so much for stopping by - hope all is well with you!
Sharyn
Hi Sharyn - very cute hub; i have a chair in the garage - I sit out there to smoke and I have thought about how attached I am to that chair! How I have sat there - anxiously waiting for my daughter to get home after she learned to drive - or when on a date! I should get one of those gliders though- looks pretty nice!
- AUTHOR
Hey Mar,
Yes, Glider does look pretty good considering. Every few years, a coat of white Rustoleum sure helps. Everyone needs a "place" like this that makes them feel so comfortable, they don't want to leave. A hammock would be really comfy too! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Have a great evening!
Sharyn
Sharyn..what an adorable hub and a great tribute. Truthfully, your old friend looks great for its age and think of all the memories it must hold. I wish I had one over the weekend with my family. I kept saying where is the hammock and someone said they used to have a gilder...Oh how I was wishing for one.
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