My husband threw away my grandma’s recipe box.
I’m not even a sentimental person, but this is divorce-worthy.
My maternal grandmother was I think the only one in my family who loved me for me, just as I was. Everyone else wanted to change me into someone or something different. But she liked me for the person I was born as, not what she thought she should or could transform me into. Sure, as is true for anyone, she was not perfect. But she was always there for me growing up.
When my gran knew her time on earth was short, many years ago (North Florida people don’t tend to live long), she asked me what I wanted of hers. I had first pick of anything. All I asked for was two green-glass Japanese hurricane lanterns1 that she treasured and had moved from Japan and then from house to house in the United States.
Today, those lanterns sit on some high cabinets where I can see them every day. I’ve hauled them from place to place as she did for nearly 30 years of my own life now. When I look at them, it reminds me of how often enough in my early days my gran was the only person who had a kind word and a cookie for me at my darkest moments.
And as much as I love my partner, if she broke or disposed of those lanterns on purpose we’d be done. That would be malicious and unforgivable. She never would, of course, but there are lines you just do not cross.
Where do people find such horrible people to marry, and why do they marry them? Surely there are signs beforehand?