If These Walls Could Talk

Bubble wrap.  There was lots and lots of bubble wrap.  I was watching the news a few weeks ago when the anchor mentioned the inventor, Alfred Fielding, had passed away. The anchor explained that Mr. Fielding's ingenious idea had come to him while on an airplane. As he looked out the window at the bubble-looking clouds below, the idea came - why not create wrap that could be used as a protective layer?

That's one of those, now why didn't I think of that momments.

In this particular instance, I was glad they used so much of that plastic pop-wrap.  It was layered and taped to protect a table and six chairs that had just arrived at my apartment after making a cross country journey.  I was fortunate enough to inherit this beautiful set of furniture from my Great Aunt who recently passed.  It's the first time I have owned a passed down piece from my family and consequently, the nicest piece of furniture I have.

As I worked my way through the stubborn and tightly bound wrap, I couldn't help but think about the journey this table and six chairs has been on.  How many people sat in those seats, how many meals were served, cups of coffee poured and pieces of cake sliced? This table undoubtedly has a story, and I'm sure a fascinating one.  But of course, the whole of it, no one will ever know.  Those experiences and happenings will only be recorded through the wear in the wood, maybe an occassional stain on one chair or maybe even just the silent presence of such a beautiful piece of furniture.

Imagine what stories we would have if that table, other family heirlooms, even rugs, clocks, a piece of jewelry, or the very walls in an old home could talk.  I know this is not a new concept but nonetheless it's an interesting one to think about.  As the table sits in our living room, people will pass by each day, conversations will be held in its seats and meals will be set on its surface.  As me and my family partake in the continuation of this table's history, I'll simply continue to wonder about its past.

Maybe it's crazy I wonder so much about an inanimate object's experiences.  My curiosity gets the better of me sometimes... nevertheless, until that table and chair gets bubble wrapped up again to make it's next journey, there will be lots of coffee poured and cake sliced and holidays had on it's surface right here in my home.