When I made a sale on eBay and had to prepare the Giovanni Raspini 925 silver Angel charms for shipping, I reached inside the TOP drawer of my Raphael Angel box...
Had this box made by an Atlanta Holland Club member; Paul Van Witteveen from Gainesville, GA from Italian Florentine wrapping paper.
Three drawers and I kept those silver charms in the bottom drawer but for whatever reason I reached for the top drawer...
Open Raphael Angel box...
But what I found in the top drawer was an emotional treasure!
My beloved Pieter's handwriting...
Sealed...
Dear Mariet
35+ years together!!
What is it that brings 2 people so inseparable together?
I don't know the answer exactly; in my opinion, it is one of those mysterious, complicated, possibly supernatural influences.
Whatever it may be; we have found each other; two people with different personalities, ideas (and age) but also with many similarities. Some traits sometimes clashed with each other, but the love between the two of us always turned out to be stronger.
With this in mind, I've always loved you, and that hasn't diminished over the years.
We lived together for over 13,000 days; in general, sunny days with the occasional rain shower to keep things fresh.
I still love you very much girl. Both of us are not such overly 'sweeties', not exactly such soft romantic types; we are too level–headed and too rational for that. We may not say often enough that we can't miss each other, nor do we kiss enough, but when we say something like that, it comes not only from our lips but from our hearts.
I hope to be able to live with you for many more days; Our life together was, and still is, the result of the 'something' that brought us together. There will come a time when we will have to say goodbye to each other, but even then this 'something' will continue to exist.
Beyond doubt!!!
November 2018
your Pieter
Had to sit down and tears rolled freely as this was such an unexpected treasure!
Related link:
My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me
Sorry Antónia, accidentally deleted it.. but rewrote it.
Dear Mariette, Pieter comes to visit you so often now, in various and delightful ways. How loving this letter is and now it is bitter sweet. I am glad for you that you found it just now. Thank you for sharing this wonderful love letter. It gives us all hope of lasting love. Lynn and Precious
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeleteThis was a welcome treasure to read... yes, bitter sweet but also proof of lasting love as our souls never die!
Hugs,
Mariette
A gift from Heaven!
ReplyDeleteDearest Vicky,
DeleteYes, it felt like a 'nudge' from Heaven!
Our souls are always together and that makes me strong for going on with and for my kitties.
Hugs,
Mariette
Such a sweet find and that is something to be treasured always. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteDearest Terry,
DeleteYes, a very sweet find at a perfect time.
Pieter's deepest thoughts will be treasured till our souls reunite again.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh Mariette, how beautiful and how heart-breaking, as life is. That letter is a gift, and I think a reminder from Pieter that he's always with you in spirit, surrounding you with love. ❤️
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteYes it was bitter–sweet yet a true treasure to see and read again.
He meant it then and will till our souls will be together again.
Meanwhile he is my special guardian Angel.
Hugs,
Mariette
That was beautiful. You were clearly meant to find it at that time. XO
ReplyDeleteDearest Ellen,
DeleteYes, it sure was the right timing!
There are so many signs that are proof that our souls never die.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a beautiful gift this lovely letter is. There are so many beautiful things in the world... just like the little angels on the box that contained your magical letter from Pieter.
ReplyDeleteDo you know where these little angels can be found, dear Mariette?
I wish you a happy weekend and send you a lovely hug.
Dearest Viola,
DeleteThank you and yes, the happiness in this world we find in the little things and they are all around us.
Those Raphael Angels on the box are authentic Italian Florentine wrapping paper.
Try asking for them at Manufactum in Deutschland: https://www.manufactum.com/florentine-paper-fiorentina-a60847/
The little silver angels can be found at my Spectrenoir – Boutique, link is under my header... also to the right.
Hugs,
Mariette
Raphael originally created the Sistine Madonna for Pope Julius II for the high altar of the monastery church of San Sisto - southeast of Milan.
DeleteIt is now in the Old Masters Painting Gallery of the Dresden State Art Collections after it was commissioned by King August III in 1754. had been purchased. The two putti figures - Raphael's angels - are at the bottom of the picture.
Hug for you Mariette
🤗
DeleteOh, how beautiful and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteIt is an emotional treasure!
Hugs,
Mariette
Dat is zeker een schat.
ReplyDeleteIk krijg er kippenvel van.
Lieve groet Willy
Beste Willy,
DeleteJa een ware schat en ook best wel zeldzaam...
Liefs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, If I rightly recall, you once taught etiquette classes, and one thing that etiquette constantly reminds us is the value of the hand-written note. And what a grand proof of those lessons this letter is. Pieter knew the value of committing his love via a hand-written letter--one can only imagine his emotions as he put pen to paper. And now you have found that note as the greatest treasure of all, so aptly secluded in the company of those sterling and Raphael angels.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYes, I did teach etiquette classes and the hand–written notes sure do belong there.
As you write, one can only imagine his emotions at the time of writing this with his fountain pen... To me they mean the world and they were found at a perfect time.
Hugs,
Mariette
VENTANA DE FOTO NOVEMBER 2, 2024 AT 1:50 PM
ReplyDeleteEsos recuerdos, te acompañarán siempre y notarás su presencia siempre que los mires.
Feliz domingo de descanso.
Querida Antónia,
Delete¡Sí, seguirán siendo un verdadero tesoro desde el corazón!
Abrazos,
Mariette
Dear Mariette,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely letter to find in your treasure box. It was a loving encouragement for you, and a gift.
Dearest Lorrie,
DeleteThere are no words adequate enough for saying what a treasure this was!
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh my, such a beautiful treasure!
ReplyDeleteDearest Melissa,
DeleteYes, it certainly is! Wish more people would find true love and support each other beyond this earthly life.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a bittersweet treasure to find! Pieter's words are so touching and really capture the depth of your love over the years. It's amazing how something as simple as a drawer can hold such powerful memories. Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment—it’s a lovely reminder of the enduring connection you both had. Wishing you comfort as you cherish all those special memories together!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings, dearest Mariette
Dearest Veronica,
DeleteIt indeed was a bittersweet treasure... Pieter was an excellent writer, not only for helping others understand how to commercially grow mushrooms—but also expressing his innermost feelings.
It will guide me Home to him...
Hugs,
Mariette
What a beautiful treasure...
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Dearest Titti,
DeleteYes, it sure IS!
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette first of all what a lovely new header. Makes me want a cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThe jewelry box is the most beautiful one I have ever seen. Pieter had a such a fine handwriting and wrote such loving thoughts to you and about your life together lived lovingly and strong
Hugs Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteThank you and by now you must know that my love is roses and angels...
At the Dutch Queen's Day (back then, now it is a King) I saw Paul Van Witteveen's artful boxes and had to contact him—begging to create me an angel box.
Pieter's handwriting, with fountain pen, has always been fine and he also knew how to express himself. We lived a very rare life as true lovers and also as partners in training and teaching others about commercial mushroom growing. A deep bond and passion...
Hugs,
Mariette
It's always heartwarming to find handwritten notes and old photographs that we've forgotten about. A beautiful., bittersweet treasure.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteYes, it sure is heartwarming and can mean a lot at a certain moment in life!
Bittersweet yes—but that is life in general.
Hugs,
Mariette
Wow, What a precious treasure you found in that drawer, tucked away for such a moment as that! I tears from reading its tender message.
ReplyDeleteI read through the posts I missed...I hope you get the yard fixed and the downed tree(s) cleaned up...its such a daunting chore, b ut with the right equipment those that do the work find it to be relatively easy...I know myself form all the trees and mess in my own yard recently
Melania's book seems like a wonderful read. I have always thought how fine and polished she is, and now I know why. Your wedding dress of 1973 was so beautiful...that was the year I started nursing school...LOL! Eons ago!!
Dearest Ingrid,
DeleteIt was like I got a nudge to open that top drawer and I'm sure glad I did!
Oh, such a property is ongoing work but I will manage it with professional help.
Yes, 1973 sounds like a long time ago... Melania was a super model and still is considering her age. So well understand the drive for leaving that Communist country as I trained several women from her area that fled the war and started all over in Italy...
She is a strong woman and to be admired.
Hugs,
Mariette
É o que verdadeiramente se pode chamar de uma carta de amor.
ReplyDeleteAbraço de amizade.
Juvenal Nunes
Caro Juvenal,
DeleteSim, uma verdadeira carta de amor escrita de coração. Uma posse valorizada!
Abraço,
Mariette
Reading this made me cry, what a wonderful treasure to find worth more the gold and diamonds in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteIt did make me weep as it is a tremendous treasure that most women never ever have nor will have I'm afraid.
Feeling so blessed with the memory of a true love and yes, that 'something' the presence of his soul is still there. Our souls never die!
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh, sweet Mariette... Such a WONDERFUL treasure you found...
ReplyDeletePieter was so sweet, to have written those sincere words and now you have another priceless treasure from the love of your life.
Praying for you and sending hugs, love and prayers!
Dearest Paula,
DeleteThank you and indeed, another treasure of the love in my life!
Hugs,
Mariette
So sweet.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Dearest Regine,
DeleteThank you and it is a true treasure!
Hugs,
Mariette
I think you two have established "Something" completelty.
ReplyDeleteDearest RTC,
DeleteAbsolutely and all in strong Faith
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh, Mariette, that is most definitely a beautiful and unexpected treasure from your beloved Pieter. Hugs to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kevin,
DeleteYes, it was an unexpected treasure and it feels so good for reading it over and over again!
Hugs,
Mariette
You are not the only one who had tears rolling down your face reading this. What a special treasure to find!
ReplyDeleteDearest Jim and Barb,
DeleteYes, it was a true treasure and a much needed one!
Hugs,
Mariette