Simply transfixed.
I was simply transfixed as I read Miller and Debbie Harrell's keepsake story at the end of November last year. With all of the fine storytelling elements—passion, love, separation, tragedy, despair, reunion, and resolve—their story is one of those rare love stories that the Hallmark Channel makes movies about. In fact, as I read the words, I saw their lives unfold in my mind's eye like a film. It was quite an emotional ride.
They share the origin of an old t-shirt and all of the memories that flood their minds when they see the shirt. They also submitted a photo of the yellowed tee surrounded by a dozen or more photos of the couple, as if they are cradling a moment in time. You can tell a lot from photos, and the Harrell's photos show two people deeply connected and devoted to one another.
Their story won honorable mention and praise by the judges of the 2014 Project Keepsake story contest. They sent two titles for their story—"The Energy of the Moment" and "Years Have Given Life to the Letters." I like both titles. Which title do you prefer? Leave a comment.
Miller and Debbie Harrell of Aurora, Colorado describe themselves as two free-spirited soul mates that met in high school and never looked back. They see their daily lives as opportunities to grown, experience and enjoy life to all its fullness. And perhaps they launched the supercouple nickname fad. After all, they created MAD years before Brangelina, Kimye, and Billary emerged as unity names.
Thanks to the Harrell's for sharing their story, and thanks to Beyond Your Blog for steering the Harrell's to my website via their tweet about the Project Keepsake contest.
What about you? Do you have a keepsake story? I encourage you to share your story with family and friends. Share the origins and histories of the most special keepsakes in your possession. Write down the stories that matter. Keep storytelling alive!
To read other stories about keepsakes and the memories they hold, please purchase a signed copy of Project Keepsake by clicking the link on the left. It's on sale now with no shipping and handling charges. And by the way, it's a great gift for a loved one, especially when paired with a keepsake.
If you live in Northwest Georgia, buy from one of these small businesses—Dave & Pauli's Art Emporium in Dalton, Cottage Treasures in Ringgold, Blue Willow Antiques in Cave Spring, The Lighthouse in Calhoun, the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, or A Gift of Season in Calhoun, and the Payne Farm Vegetable Stand in Lily Pond.