Packing, Moving, Lost, Found and Trash Bags By Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas.” Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband, Alan, moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughter-in-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

My husband and I are moving again. My sisters say they need a new address book for all the times we’ve moved over the years. This time, the move should be permanent, but who knows? We’ve lived in this area of South Carolina for three years and have decided we like the neighborhood. Instead of renting, we are purchasing a home. Everything is on one floor, so there is no need to worry about steps. Arthritis in my back does not like too many steps. You would think that as many times as we have moved, we would have a system in place. Yes, we downsize each time and can’t believe how much “stuff” still finds the way to our house. So now we sit with boxes packed and taped shut, hoping not to need anything in those particular boxes.

The new house is ready. Documents will be signed soon, and the home will be ours.

Last time we moved, there was an “incident” as we like to call it. Hoping and praying all will be well this time.

Two teddy bears sleep in the bed with Alan and me. Yes, I am a grown-up. Yes, I love collecting teddy bears. One bear named Trevor was given to me by my sweet Alan many years ago. The other bear was given to me by the Harris family (niece, nephew, and their children) years ago when I was going through my cancer journey. That bear is named “Pink Baby”. When we moved last year, Trevor and Pink Baby disappeared. I was heartbroken. Alan and I searched box after box, trying to find my precious bears. No luck. Tears in my eyes and a frown on my face, I decided the bears were accidentally thrown out with the trash.

My precious husband drove back to the former house and opened every trash bag in the can. He tried to find the bears. Arriving at the new home defeated, he explained how the bears were not to be found.

More tears from me. Yes, the bears are just “things”, but they hold a special place in my heart. The love and care that was given along with those bears helped me through dark times. The conclusion was final. No more bears. We could buy new ones. They wouldn’t be the same. The next day, we continued to unpack boxes and suitcases.

What a shock to open a suitcase filled with towels and washcloths and sheets and find a surprise! Trevor and Pink Baby had been with us the whole time! Hiding in the suitcase. I must have put them in there so I wouldn’t lose them.

I will always be grateful to Alan for opening and searching through each trash bag, in hopes of finding my bears. What a great husband!

If you lose a precious item, pause, and pray. The item may or may not be found. Find comfort knowing the greatest gift is with God. Blessings, Melissa