Heather's Generosity

If you are lucky enough to know hobbyist Heather McCurdy, then you know that she is a kind and generous lady.

Nancy Falzone and Heather McCurdy at the April 2019 GLC show. (Photo by Nancy Kelly.)

Last April she surprised me with a gift that she'd found while out antiquing. (Read about that here.) But she had another surprise for me this month.

Because Heather was judging one of the live shows at BreyerFest on Friday, she had a conflict with her tent ticket time. She had texted me and asked if I might be able to trade tent tickets with her. So, on Thursday after I arrived at the Clarion, I went down to the hall where the Breakables show was being held (she was judging that show, too!) and waited for her to have a free moment. We swapped out our tickets along with a quick hug and catch-up chat.

Heather was aware of my upcoming surgery. She also knew that I'd hoped to get a Banner, and after BreyerFest was over, texted me to see what I had gotten with my tent ticket. I explained that I had not gotten Banner but was happy with my purchases.

 Heather then offered to sell me the Banner that she had gotten for herself.

She texted, "Figure you need him to keep you company after your surgery. You need him more than I do. I'm glad he'll be there to help you recover."

Banners are in short supply and very sought after. Not only did Heather give up the one she'd bought for herself, but she offered it to me at a very reasonable price - she could have made a lot more money selling it on eBay or MH$P.

Banner is going to be on my bedside table after I get home from the hospital. He will indeed be my surgery recovery buddy. But his name isn't Banner anymore.

It's "Heather's Generosity."

Thanks, Heather. I love this piece; even better, he is a wonderful reminder of a dear friend and her kindness.

Another Surprise at Great Lakes Congress

There was a second surprise in store for me at Saturday's Great Lakes Congress show and this one made the tears well up when I saw it.

Heather McCurdy called me over and handed me a bubble wrapped package. What was inside was  a total surprise. It was also very, very familiar.

An old Made in Japan china saddle horse with chain reins.

Heather explained that she had found it at an auction in a box with some other horses, and knowing my story, had snagged it for me. 

So what is the story?

 It can be found in Nancy Kelly's recent book, Exploring the Model Horse Hobby on page 60.

This is Brownie, the very first model horse I ever got, given to me by Santa in 1963 when I was six. I loved Brownie so much, and many childhood memories are wrapped around him. For example, I have a very vivid memory of holding him close while lying in bed while very, very ill with the measles. 

As you can see from the photo, living with me was hard on poor Brownie. My dad faithfully glued him for me every time I broke him. Decades later, I considered having him restored, but I decided that I liked him the way he was because the yellowed glue on the multiple breaks was a visible reminder of how much my father loved me.  I look at Brownie and I see my father's love.

Despite having chased after model horses for decades, never have I found another piece just like Brownie. Heather knew that he was incredibly special to me, so when she spied him in that box at the auction, she snagged him for me.

Brownie always has been and will forever will be a reminder of my dad's love. New Brownie is special, too, and is a reminder of the kindness and thoughtfulness of a dear friend.

Thanks, Heather. There are no words to express my gratitude.