Can you tell me............?

In the Western states, now, the weather is often warm again.
That means it's yard sale time.
Here is a little story about what I found on my way home one day.

They stood together talking quietly. I browsed the yard sale that they had somehow pulled together. When they looked up the gentleman asked me how I was doing and I graciously said,
"Good afternoon, I am well." They appeared to be in their seventies but the heat of the day had them puffing and weary. I could see that the effort had not brought them the result they had hoped for. I looked through the clutter on the tables and saw very few pieces of real value to me but I could see that they wanted something from me so I asked them how the day had gone. Now the woman spoke. She related how she had felt each time someone tried to get her to," go down in price", for the true antiques she had carefully placed on those tables and boxes and odd shelves. She was confused and frustrated by the attitude and disrespect. I had seen this before at my own yard sales so I tried to ease her heart by agreeing that it was hard not to react when people didn't seem to know true value from dime store quality clutter. I got a smile for that, so I sat down with them and asked what the sale was for. Were they moving or just clearing out space in their home. It was the latter and she was finding it difficult enough to part with these things without being asked to just give her treasures away. I smiled at that one so I asked her to show me the pieces of value. I thought perhaps we could sort out a solution to their challenge. They both looked surprised that I would stay and just chat like this. The gentleman asked me what background I had that would give me knowledge of the field. I told him that I have a reputation for finding treasures of true value. I come from people who were well known at the auction houses in Gary, Indiana as they were furniture re-finishers for resale. My mother was the one who taught me about glassware and household antiques so I felt a sense of knowledge that let me take chances on certain areas of resale that perhaps others did not feel comfortable in. He warmed up to me so his wife did as well.
She said, "Can you tell me about the chairs?" It was true that they had once been wonderful and the claw feet made them have a charm and value but the seats were ruined and the wood had been painted and then stripped so poorly that they would be a lot of work for any yard sale buyer. The woman said, with a pout, that she would just as well keep them and paint them herself. I said, "Exactly! It is all about the value to you." Then we looked at the pictures. Yes, these people had excellent taste and some of these pieces were truly valuable. The one most important to them had frame and matting trouble that really took away from the look so no, it would always be difficult to get what it was worth, without investing in the refreshed matte and framework. The gentleman asked, "But who would do the work for us?" I said to go to a local art company and just pay to get the best you can afford to allow for profit. They were amazed at how simple we were making things but I ached a little at how alone in all this they seemed. Nobody does the work a yard sale requires without the financial need as a motivator. Here is where I usually ask the elderly if they are familiar with the internet. These two said it was all too hard to understand and that they couldn't imagine ever understanding how to turn the darn thing on. I encouraged them in the end by exploring the different options the web offers. It is only a matter of wanting to and being patient with oneself while the education happens. The woman softened and admitted that her daughter owned a computer and that it was there at the house. I asked her if she ever thought to try it out or if her daughter would help her. I admitted that it was my fifteen year old who kept me afloat when I felt lost with my laptop. Ohhh, the fact that I had a laptop seemed so incredible to them. I usually fall in love with elders who let me see this sweet side of themselves. Here is where I did. I looked around the garage and asked them to please consider the online auctions and craigslist in our area so that they might get familiar with this new perspective in generating a return on antiques purchased for resale. I told them to look on bulletin boards and pay attention to ads in the newsletter from their credit union or bank, for people who will charge them a percentage of sales for doing the computer work for them. I encouraged them to rethink how they see these valuables. If they truly valued these beautiful antiques then they must display them well and maintain an attitude that expresses the true value. The gentleman agreed with a shrug and a smile that told me a light had turned on and he was ready to talk with his daughter. The woman was already going for her keys so she could go to the library to get the sticker that lets you on the computers there. I also sent her to find the book, "Computers For Dummies". I told her it had opened the door for me and it would for her. Time well spent, I thought, as I walked to my truck. When I drove away I noticed them deep in conversation and ready to be more productive. At least I told myself that. They were tired and ready to close up but at least I felt maybe they had a new idea. Sometimes it is all about something else to do.
Staying open, being vulnerable and smiling when someone speaks to me. It works.
Making this world a better place each day, just by being here, it matters.
Where do you fit in all this? Watch for an elder and take a chance.
Smile and look into their eyes when you speak to them.
Find out if you will make their world better just by being there.
Watch them make yours brighter just by letting you help.
As I turned the corner to get closer to the freeway, I noticed the gentleman out on the corner picking up his sign.
I beeped and waved.
He glowed with a smile, so rewarding.
Yeah, it's worth it.