My friend of forty five years called me and told me that she wanted to make me a present of her grandmother's mirror, circa l880. I was so touched. She has three children but none of them could be bothered with it. It is pretty, with a graceful shape and I hung it in my little entry.

She had told me repeatedly how heavy it was and that she could not lift it. This let me know how frail she is. I guess I am a peasant because it really isn't very heavy and I can easily lift it. I told her I would treasure it and pass it on to one of my children.

It worries me that she is getting rid of her possessions.
She has given thousands of dollars to her grandchildren, whilo living very frugally herself. It gives her great pleasure to do so. But I think we deserve a few luxuries.