The Abernathy's

When Chad and I first started this business we would do shows, such as the Craftsman's fair at the convention center in Gatlinburg. We don't so much anymore due to having this store and all the 'free time' I've previously pointed out. But when we did, we got to meet so many interesting people. Craftsmen and artists from all over the US.

One year, the show we did was a total bust. We were fortunate enough to double what we  put into it (which isn't great, but worth doing the show) But the people at the end of our isle seemed to have not done much of anything. It was an older couple, my Grandparents age or so, with beautifully turned vases, bowls and candle holders. Their prices were a bit high, but the quality of what they had was AMAZING. This little old man who walked with a cane was turning THOSE?? We were just SO intrigued, that the second to last day of the show we went to them and struck up conversation. 

Come to find their names are Hugh and Betty Abernathy and they're older then we thought, nearing 90. They're from Alabama and were SOO hard to understand! The most southern of accents I had ever heard!! They're also extremely religious, having asked us about our beliefs and quoting verses numerous times throughout our conversation. We also learned that they hadn't sold a SINGLE item the entire two weeks of the show! They drove all the way from Tuscaloosa, AL, payed the $2,000 fee for a booth, plus hotel, food etc.. and didn't make a dime!...

That broke our hearts. We were completely astounded by that info and decided to do everything in our power to help them out. So we went around to wealthy friends/ customers of ours and asked, 'Hey could you do us a favor and buy something from these people?' Then we went and bought a $300 bowl. Now, we REALLY could not afford to do that, but all I kept thinking was that they REALLY could not afford to go home empty handed.... Thankfully a few of our friends chipped in too and a man who has bought thousands of dollars worth of stuff from us, who also owns the company in charge of setting up the booths, ended up purchasing enough from them to cover all of their expenses!! :) 

Now, we told these people not to mention to the Abernathy's that we were the ones that sent them there, but apparently they didn't listen. Because after John (the man I spoke of) bought all that stuff, Hugh walked over to our booth in tears and asked Chad if it was alright for him to hug me *giggles* He thanked us again and again and took our information, gave us theirs and said he would forever be indebted to us and we have claimed a special place in their hearts. <3

Since then we have been pen pals, writing each other at least once a month. They even came to our wedding! Drove all the way here, stayed for just the ceremony, and drove back. CRAZY! They have sent us little gifts randomly. Things he has turned and thought we would like. And I sent a care package just last month when we heard their area had been hit pretty hard by a tornado. (Luckily they just lost their electric and water for a few days and nothing worse) So anyway, the reason I decided to write about them, last night we got home and found a notice on our door that we missed a package. So this morning we went to the post office and found this......

Beautiful, right?! Completely unnecessary, but gorgeous! It's huge too! 10x10  ...I have no idea how to reply to this. I mean, we've gotten some little things before, but to send us a piece they could price at $4-500.... I'm flattered near tears. These people are just so sweet and I cherish this weird little relationship we have with them :') God bless Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Hugh & Betty Abernathy <3