A story that writes itself.

Is there a better way to live than to do what you love with someone you love? Passion and passion. I can't give you details on the people in the photograph or the environment in which they find themselves, but I can well imagine it. Married for years, they raised a family in a town where they did what they could to make ends meet. They loved being around people and had a lot of friends. Garage sales, estate sales, and auctions were frequently visited; they discovered they were attracted to antiques and memories of the past.

What started as a hobby became an obsession. The kids grew up and moved away to start careers of their own. The place grew empty, except for the collections obtained over the years spent combing Americana. They hit upon an idea and it grew, from a thought to a possiblilty to reality. An old building came up for sale; it was perfect. They sold their home of many years and invested in a future that dealt with the past.

The building was erected in 1905 (see image below). Downstairs would be the general store they dreamed of; upstairs would be their home. The memorabilia collected over the years would line the shelves of the establishment. Sales would be sparse but it didn't matter. Pensions, savings, and business acumen would allow them to continue. The best part of the whole thing was that they would be together doing what they loved in a place they loved.

Some would argue that wealth can be measured in dollars. I do not think this couple was wealthy but they were rich beyond measure. Not the kind determined by numbers in a bank account but the kind measured by love. Each day would be met with renewed vitality. Strangers would become friends. Items acquired over a lifetime would be sold then replaced by more treasured finds. They would be surrounded by everything they loved, most importantly each other.

From the moment the journey began there were no regrets. Hardships would come and go as they always had; it was conquering those challenges together that brought satisfaction to each day. This was to be their life to the end. A life filled with esteem, friends, and a lifetime of love. What more could they ask for?

Thanks for reading.     Ericspix     Eric Svendsen