The Best Things in Life ...

I recently learned this old adage is true.

Not long ago, I was sitting in the garage talking with my parents. My stepdad was building a bookcase for his mother, while my mother and I were just invading his "man space."

We were slightly picking on him when he said, "Shannen, you better be nice because my next project is a coffee table for you."

My eyes grew bigger and my lips curled up to a smile, as I turned to my mom with surprise.

"Really," I responded. "Wow, why?"

Apparently my current coffee table is in sad shape. I bought it several years ago at a yard sale for $10. It is bigger than your average coffee table, but that is one of the things I like about it. There is plenty of room for me to work and for Big to lie on it at the same time.

When I went home that day, I took a good look at my coffee table. It did look dreadful among my newer furniture. It doesn't match any of my other pieces and has green and white paint on it from its former owners who had several grandchildren.

I waited patiently for my new coffee table to be completed. When I arrived at my parents' the next day, it was nearly finished. I took a sneak peek and was amazed how much better it looked -- not even completed -- than my current table.

No, it wasn't quite as big, but big enough for Big to lie on it and me to work. Once the stain/sealant was put on, the color almost matches my couch.

So yes, the best things in life really are free. And thank you to my stepdad for making me a beautiful coffee table for my home.