If you read any of my blogs, then you realize how much I love telling stories and stories in general.

Growing up, my grandmother had an old blue suitcase full of old family pictures that I would look at over and over again.

I inherited the suitcase and the pictures. I distributed most of the pictures to my dad and sisters. I later learned that the suitcase belonged to my Paw Paw Red.

I imagined this suitcase was used when he drove his truck for the company Thermogas. I imagined what he packed and what stories the suitcase could tell. Maybe he left home for the first time with it in hand (saving just the right amount of money to purchase it). I’ll never know, but I wish I had asked him.

After he passed, I knew I wanted to repurpose it in his honor. My dad and mom were able to create a side table out of it. The legs of the now suitcase table were also my grandfather’s. The cedar wooden legs,held in his hands, were from swings he would build.

I know he would be proud of the table. It’s one of my cherished pieces as it belonged to him and was repurposed by my parents. His hands and theirs created something so special.

The old blue suitcase has retired to my home where it will be displayed and loved.

I miss and love you, Paw Paw Red and Maw Maw Faye.