I recently had the privilege to meet 2 gentlemen who came into the Gallery in Thomas holding the March 2009 West Virginia Magazine.

The elder, from Sweet Springs, West Virginia (Mineral County):  “I’m looking for this building. Can you help me?”

After a gleaming chuckle, because indeed he was referencing an article featuring the MountainMade Gallery and Country Store from the magazine, we exchanged introductions.  His companion, a gentleman from Winchester, Virginia, had made the trip with him. The elder gentleman went on to explain that his wife and he took a trip each fall, and they had planned a trip to Thomas some time ago, but “we buried her last week.”

We spoke for a time and they explored the Gallery, particularly taken with the handmade furniture. It turns out that the elder and his bride had purchased not long ago, a table, 4 chairs and a hutch  from Tom Seely Furniture (now Gat Creek Furniture, sold at MountainMade).  We spoke some more, he thanked me for allowing him to look around, and with a tear in his eye said “she would have loved this place.” And he walked out the door, missing his sweetheart.

I consider myself honored to have been in the Gallery this day to meet these 2 friends who honored each other and the memory of a loved one to keep a promise.

Has handmade art or craft goods helped you form a deeper bond with someone special?