Dear Joyce,
Over the weekend, my sister and I decided to go Christmas shopping at the local antique mall. I was looking for presents for my friends, but I knew I’d be tempted to buy something for myself. I’ve always loved shopping at antique malls. There are so many interesting treasures, all with real and unique histories. My sister and I both agree that if we had a lot of money, antique stores would get a lot of our business.
Happily, I ended up finding presents for my friends, and even a little something for my mom. I was very close to leaving without purchasing anything for me. After all, Christmas is only a week away. It’s not at all the time to be buying myself presents. However, as I rounded a corner, a shelf full of beautiful antique books came into view. As an author, I have a huge soft spot for books, and I particularly love antique books. We have a decent collection of antique books in our family, but I am always looking to expand upon that collection. But I remained steadfast, reminding myself that I was buying for loved ones, not for me.
I really thought I would be able to resist until I saw the crimson binding and the elegant script reading, Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
You may not know this, but I love Fairy Tales. Probably a lot more than an almost-26-year-old woman should. Then again, Albert Einstein did say, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” So I guess by Einstein’s standards, I’m a downright genius. I actually have another old classic fairy tale book that once belonged to my mom. I used to read it all the time as a kid. But there was something about this book. Without a second thought, I added it to my shopping basket.
It’s a really beautiful book.
Joyce Peterson and Randy Peterson.
I’ve shopped at Half Price Books before, so buying books that once belonged to someone else isn’t anything new. But in your signature at the top of the inner cover, I saw the same childlike love and pride that I felt for my favorite books. I’ve penned my name in every single one of my books, even my most recent purchases.
I thought I had an idea of how much this book meant to you until I turned the page..
If this book should chance to roam, please wrap it up and send it home – to: Miss Joyce Peterson. Crown Point, Indiana.
This book has roamed a long way, all the way to North Texas. I’m not sure how it got here, or if you still remember it. I’m not sure this letter will ever reach you, but if it does and you’d like your beloved book back, just let me know. If not, I wanted you to know that it is in good hands and will be cherished like the treasure that it is.
Wherever you are, Joyce, I hope you are well and blessed. Merry Christmas. And thank you.
Love,
Jackie
A Platform of Sorts 