A little tale about a storied French wine crate!
Sometimes special antique pieces will find us, if we’re patient, and we’re not looking.
Such is the case with a beautiful old French wine crate.
It’s a special item in my home decor. I’m especially fond of this century old piece, because it has a memorable story, and person, attached to it.
Several years ago, while attending a monthly antique market in Kansas City, I discovered a vendor that carried all things old, shabby, and French.
I fell in love with everything “Susan” carried, and over the years of attending this market, and making many purchases, we became very friendly, enjoying many conversations and laughs.
Every time we attended this antique market, we always looked forward to seeing Susan.
She was funny, charming, insightful, and always smiling. She also had terminal cancer.
Susan had battled this horrible disease for a couple of years, but her outlook was consistently amazing.
Unfailingly, she always had a kind word, a new joke, and a hug to share. We shared laughs, told stories, and at times, held hands and prayed with her.
Talking with her on our many visits always reminded me about what was important in life.
On one of our visits, Susan had this amazing French wine/champagne crate for sale that had come directly from France.
Susan told me that she originally had two of them, but had already sold one, and this was the only one remaining.
I fell in love with it immediately and purchased it, bringing it home with the intention of selling it in my online shop.
Once I got the crate home though, I decided I wanted to keep it for myself for awhile, and I did, enjoying it for several months, before eventually listing it for sale.
Of course it sold immediately, and I instantly regretted selling it.
Several weeks went by and I was still kicking myself for selling the crate, knowing that I would never find another one.
I decided that the next time I saw Susan, I was going to ask her to please keep an eye out for another one, and to hold it for me.
Unfortunately, before I could see her again, we received word that Susan had lost her battle with cancer and had passed away.
We were so saddened with this news, and felt such a loss. Even though we only knew Susan through shopping her market, she had touched my heart, and I felt like I had known her forever.
As the weeks went by, I continuously thought about Susan, and the regret of letting the French wine crate go that I had purchased from her.
One day, months later, we were antiquing in Arkansas, and had found several things at a market there.
Hubby and I were standing at the front of the market paying for our purchases, when a vendor opened the door to bring in a large antique chest. They were having trouble getting it through the door, so hubby went to help them get it in, and then proceeded to help move it to their booth.
As I finished paying, hubby returned and said, “You might want to go check out that booth before you leave, they’ve brought in a lot of new items that you might be interested in”.
So back I went to see if there might be something that I had missed.
As I turned the corner into the booth, there sat a French wine crate, identical to the one that I had sold months before.
I was almost speechless, and all I could say was, “I want this”.
I didn’t even look at the price.
As the booth owner was getting the crate down off of the shelf for me, I questioned her about where she had found it.
She proceeded to tell me that she had purchased it from this sweet antique dealer in Kansas City, named Susan…….my Susan!
I think at this point, I had chills over my entire body! I couldn’t believe it!
Somehow, some way, the universe had brought this wine crate, with it’s special connection to Susan, back into my life!
Right now, I have it displayed in the dining room filled with dried hydrangeas, but I have used it in many places in our home, filling it with everything from dried hydrangeas, orchids, and moss balls.
No matter what room I display it in, it holds a place of honor.
Thank you, Susan.
Each time I look at this French wine crate, I think of you!
Cheers, Cindy
Today is also French Country Fridays!
Enjoy!
Cedar Hill Farmhouse | Using a Table in the Bath
Designthusiasm | How to Decorate a Tiny Living Room Corner
Edith and Evelyn Vintage | A Storied French Wine Crate
French Country Cottage | A Most Charming Apartment in Paris
Maison de Cinq | Coastal Inspired Summer Table Setting
Shabbyfufu | How To Take & Edit Travel Photos With Your Smartphone
Can you give me the link to your online store please. Thanks.
Hi Anita! The link to our online shop is https://www.etsy.com/shop/edithandevelyn or you can click the “Shop” tab at the top of our home page.
Beautiful and touching story. Would you mind giving me the measurements of your crate? It’s gorgeous.
The dimensions are 39″ long x 17″ deep x 10″ tall.
Thank you! I would love to buy one. In love!
This story is so candid, honest and beautiful! I’m so glad that you found the same crate. It looks stunning as a central point of the room in your home. I love how much interest and personality it brings to the room. Some pieces of furniture really have incredible history…
Such a lovely story! I’m so glad that this crate found its way to you, Cindy. It is beautiful filled with dried hydrangea blooms.
Happily to come over from French Country Fridays,
Barb 🙂
Cindy,
Could you tell me the name of the monthly antique market that you go to in Kansas City? I looked it up online but it mentioned several places and I was not sure which one has the monthly market.
Thanks,
Marian
Hi Marian! It’s the market in West Bottoms, the first Friday of the month!
What a sweet and memorable story. I”m SOOO happy you got the second one! Thanks for sharing.
What a lovely story of sweet friendship and a treasured keepsake. I believe Susan will always be with you.
Blessings…..
Your story brought a tear to my eye. Beautiful story of a lovely lady and a beautiful piece to remember her by.
Hey Cindy! I so love this post. Your friendship with Susan sounds so special,and how amazing that you were able to repurchase such a beautiful and meaningful piece for your lovely home. I so enjoyed reading this. So very thrilled that you have your lost treasure back!!! i know Susan would be trhilled!!!
Thanks, Adele!
What a happy ending! So glad you have your wine crate back!!
Thank you, Teresa!
I absolutely love this story. What a special friend she was it is so beautiful in all your rooms
Thank you, Carole!
Cindy ,
What a lovely story and so very touching, I hope you keep the crate always!
xox
Paula
Thank you, Paula! It’s one of my special treasures.
I think the story of Susan was beautiful, the beginning and the end, like our relationship with Christ Jesus, your story about Susan was hand picked for you by our Savior, we would have never known about Susan and the wine crate, her battle with cancer. You and Susan touch my heart, also reminded how we always have a opportunities to share our miracles…
Thank you for your sweet word, Patricia!
Hi Cindy,
I’ve got goose bumps…now crying. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and loving story.
Thank you, Carrie!
I loved your telling of your story about “Susan”! Very sad but also heartwarming! I know you’ll treasure that beautiful crate…Frankly I don’t know how you manage to part with ANY of your beautiful treasures… One other thing.. it wasn’t the universe that led that crate back to you.. It was the CREATOR of the the universe!
Very true, Jessie!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely sweet story,it made me cry. I also believe that our Lord our God with Susan’s help brought that wine crate to you.
What a sweet lady she must’ve been and you’re fortunate to have known her. Enjoy the wine crate!
Thank you so much, Maria!
So gorgeous, just like everything you share. Thank you.
What a wonderful story. I love that every time you look at this piece, you will think of Susan.
Things do happen for a reason. I believe Susan wanted you to find it. Are you selling your home and moving?
Thank you, Linda! Yes, we have listed our home for sale after praying for over a year for wisdom in our decision. My heart is aching to be closer to our children.
Wow, I love my new house, but envy the new owners, whoever they may be!
What a touching story and tribute to your special friend!
Thank you, Toni!
What a Sweet story. GOD lead you to that store just to purchase Susan’s crate!!! This gave me tears of joy!! There is a reason for everything! I didn’t know you were selling your house?? It is beautiful and you and hubby did a great job!
Thank you, Nancy! Yes, after many months of prayer, we have decided to list our house for sale and move closer to our children. Life is short and we just live too far away!
Now I understand why you love the wine crate so much. I have enjoyed seeing the crate in your photos over the years and now the story of your vendor friend makes it all the more special. What a treasure and what a loss of a special friend. That wine crate was meant to be in your keeping for many years to come.
Thank you, Linda!
Cindy,
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing what must be a very personal tale for you. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Deb!
What a sweet, amazing story! I don’t believe in “coincidences”. I think Susan put in a good word with the Man to bless you!
Maybe so, Jacki!
Cindy, Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. It’s amazing how God works his magic! This was definitely divine intervention! Would you please share the name of the antique store in Arkansas where you found the wine crate.
Shirley, it was Somewhere in Time Antiques in Rogers!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your sweet story. I’m thinking that it wasn’t the “universe” that brought that wine crate back to you but our loving Lord Who cares about everything in our lives and Who is ever eager to bless us with our heart’s desires.
So true, Deb!! Thanks for commenting!
What a touching story! I am so glad that the wine crate found you!
Thank you Julie!
Cindy….I truly feel it was Susan that lead you to that crate! Divine intervention I say. Some may call it serendipity, but I feel it was Susan leading you there to continue your friendship/memories through things that you two loved. I am sorry that she lost her battle. The crate is beautiful. Have a great weekend and good luck on the listing of your home. You may need to start packing as I know it will sell very quickly!
You may be right, Shirley! She was such a special lady. Thank you for your positive thoughts on selling the house….your mouth to God’s ears!
What a lovely story.
Thank you, Eileen!
What a lovely story. I know you must cherish the wine crate because it was meant for you to have it. Love your home.
Thank you so much, Cecilia!
Hi Cindy,
This has always been one of my favourite pieces in your home. It has inspired me with my own orchids and moss balls display. What a beautiful story and memory to have.
Thank you, Angie!
What a nice memory of a friendship. What a wonderful Blessing for both you and your friend, Susan. Bet in a high place she looks down with that little smile we sometimes have…I got ya!
Thank you, Sherrill!!
Such a sweet story. I can promise that it wasn’t “the universe” that brought that wine crate back to you. Aren’t we blessed to have a God Who cares about the “little things” in our lives?!
Hi Cindy
Taking a trip to Kansas City in a few weeks and was wondering if you would give me the name of the Antique Market you frequent when in town. Love your story regarding the Wine Crate!!!
Hi Rosemarie! It was the West Bottoms Antique Market!
Oh… your tale brought tears to my eyes. What a treasured piece! One can only imagine the joy this piece will bring to you and your family for years to come.
Yes, it’s definitely a treasured piece, with fond memories of a special person attached to it! Thank you for commenting, Catherine!