Kevin, owner of the Polished Edge, stopped by the boutique today. I hadn't seen Kevin in awhile, so it was good to see him. Kevin brought some bad news with his visit. He told me Mr. Braun, previous owner of Braun's Jewelry and previous occupant of my building, had passed away. I met Mr. Braun shortly after I moved in. He had stopped by and introduced himself as having been proprietor of Braun's Jewelry from 1957-1989.
Mr. Braun continued to pay me monthly visits after that first introduction. We sat and discussed various topics, mostly about business and the downtown square. We even developed a code for what kind of day, as in money, I had at the boutique. He suggested a four bell system. Having a four bell day meant that is was a $$$$fantastic day and a one bell being , yuk. The last time I saw Mr. Braun he asked, "What Kind of day are you having ?"
"Mr. Braun, I'm having a four bell day, thank you," I answered.
He would get a huge smile on his face and say..."You will do just fine in this business."
Somehow coming from Mr. Braun, it was reassuring and added maximum confidence.
During the holidays a couple of years ago, Mr. Braun paid me a visit at the boutique. I had decorated the shop in evergreen and garland and was anticipating the holidays. Mr. Braun commented , "You need some Santa Clause's in here."
"Yes that would be nice but I haven't seemed to find ones that fit in the shop," I said.
He said nothing. A few hours later, Mr. Braun came in, on this second visit of the day, he was holding boxes. He brought in six boxes all together. I was very curious as to what could possibly be in these boxes? He opened the first box and to my amazement inside the box was a vintage Santa all decked out in typical Santa gear; red suit, white beard, and white, not black, boots. "I have five more, all in their original boxes from 1957". After Thanksgiving I'd put these Santa's in the two windows for my holiday display," Mr. Braun explained.
"Oh my gosh", I said.
He asked me if I was interested in placing them in the boutique, and of course I was speechless for a moment. "Oh, I would love too," I said.
The first season I displayed the Santa's, I was overwhelmed by the number of people that stopped by exclaiming how they remembered the Santa's when they were growing up, and how it brought back fond memories of their childhood.
I purchased the Santa's from Mr. Braun on a price we both agreed upon. Being the business man he was, he had me sign an agreement , and we shook on it.
What a lucky girl I am! Every Christmas I proudly put those Santa's in my shop, along with a little sign that explains where they came from.
I was sad to hear that Mr. Braun had passed away without me knowing. He was 87 years old at the time of his death. I at least wanted to go to his funeral and show my respect. Keven told me his wife died two weeks after he did. I never met Mrs. Braun, but am glad they are together.
Mr. Braun will live in my memories forever. I am thankful I had the oppurtunity to meet this nice man. Somehow too, It has been healing to tell you about him. Thanks for reading...and anyway... It's things that definitely make life a little more interesting...
Happily,and sad,
Jill 00(Two hugs are better than one, especially for you Mr. Braun)
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