The Best Birthday Gift a Mom Could Give – A Living Example of Unconditional Love

Mom recently gave some extra pictures to me from my wedding, which was over 28 years ago. The only remark which came to my mind was, “Oh, my.” Suddenly, I realized how much time had elapsed. I remembered things I had not thought of in years. I hugged mom.

Walking in her back yard beside the bed of flowers, I drew in deep breaths of the beautiful blooming pink and white peonies. As a child, I had not appreciated the magnificence of those flowers. As an adult, I hungered for their beauty.

“Mom, these peonies are gorgeous,” I quickly shared my thoughts. She said, “I don’t know if they smell good or not.” Although the roaring in my ear reminded me of the Meniere’s disease, my nose still worked. “They smell heavenly!” I exclaimed.

Mom saw those peonies every summer day for over 55 years. I did not. I moved away. Obviously, we are older and wiser now. Mom has mobility challenges and my hearing is impaired but our love is deep.

We celebrate our birthday on the same day, a rich blessing from a Godly mom. I was due on the 27th of September but mom had asked the doctor if it would be safe for me to be born on her birthday. He said yes. Mom told me she knew it would be difficult then but she knew the pain would be replaced with a brand new life.

She loved me before my birth and I am thankful she still loves me today. Next Monday, mom will celebrate her 90th birthday and I have the privilege of sharing my birthday with her. Thanks mom. Unconditional love is truly amazing.

Angela Scott

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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

Consignment Store Shock – How I Found Fine Art in a Country Store

Browsing in a consignment store, a picture on the wall caught my attention. As I walked closer, the scene looked familiar. I took a few more steps. William Mangum had signed the print. I realized it was a limited edition print. How could it be? A limited edition print by artist William Mangum was for sale in a consignment store? I could hardly believe my eyes or my thoughts.

Standing in the country store, I remember asking myself, “How did this print travel here? And, why would someone want to sell it?” My thoughts paused momentarily. I asked, “Is that really a Mangum print?” The sales associate responded, “Yes. You can buy it for $300.” Although still in shock, the cost was more than I had with me.

I went back to the store two weeks later. The print was still there. I spoke with the store owner once again about the limited edition print. She said, “If you’re still interested in the print, I can give you a better price.” I asked, “How much better?” Her response was, “$225, plus tax.”

I began asking more questions about “The Spirit of Greensboro” print. I was curious. It had left an unforgettable picture in my mind. I finally went to the Mangum Fine Art Gallery. That’s where I asked the question.

“Do you carry The Spirit of Greensboro print?” The sales associate referred to a catalog and said, “Today, the print alone sells for $500.” Originally released in 1989, the print sold for $85.

I spilled the beans, “I found the print in a consignment store.” The associate’s response was, “Where? We’ll buy it from the store or we’ll buy it from you.” My thoughts returned to the print in the consignment store. The sales associate asked, “What’s the name of the store with the print?” I paused and said, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll take care of it myself.”

I contacted the owner of the store and asked if the Mangum print was still available? “Yes, are you still interested?” Faced with a challenging decision, I said yes.

My mom and I went to the consignment store and purchased the print. You could see the color draining from the man’s face as my mom told him the entire story. He asked, “The print is worth five hundred dollars?” They chatted while I secured the print in the trunk of my car. He said, “Your daughter was wise to ask questions.”

He was right. It pays to ask questions. I’m the happy owner of a William Mangum limited edition, “Spirit of Greensboro” print. Who would think you could find fine art in a consignment store?

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All writings here are copyrighted by Angela Scott. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.