A reveal from the spring line and a story I'd like to share...

[LVCoffeeAddict]

Long story short, I ordered some shoes from the Coach website that were on sale that unfortunately didn't fit right. Took them back to the store to return. While I was there, I asked the SAs if by chance they had the chalk studded Edie yet. They brought one out from the back. In the past, I wasn't that fond of Edie, preferred my Phoebes, but I instantly fell in love. I love the details on this, really adds something special. The light color scares me a bit, but I'll be careful. Here is a not so good picture that I snapped last night. Much better looking in person, imo.

There is a story behind this purse. But first, if you have the time, check out a thread I posted almost a year ago to get the whole picture:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/my-trip-to-the-boutique-with-dh-854154.html

My husband, whom I was with for 17 years, had heart surgery that I truly believed was going to give him a new lease on life. Instead, he suffered complications that ended up taking his life. I was devastated. We were extremely close and the thought of living the rest of my life without him was unimaginable. It took me a long time to feel like going shopping, but sometimes I just needed to get out of the house. One time, I got the courage to go into the Coach store. The SA recognized me and I forget how exactly, but I ended up telling her about what happened to my husband. She was shocked, to say the least.

Whenever I stop by that store, the SAs ask how I'm doing. Last weekend when I stopped by they asked again and I ended up getting an unexpected therapy session. I got myself that chalk Edie, which was a temporary pick-me-up as retail therapy often is, but more importantly, the girls and I talked awhile about life, why things happen, and how it helps to believe that things happen for a reason, etc. I left there with more than just a new purse, I left there thinking how thoughtful these women were who barely knew me.

While my husband is probably looking down at me from above thinking, "Another purse??" I know he'd understand. I'm saving this one for my birthday again because if he were here he would've gotten it for me. Sounds cheesy, but whenever I carry my Coach purses (with his wedding ring tucked inside), I think of him and how we shopped for them together. I miss the little things like that, and I miss his big heart. Posting about such things is part of the healing process for me. Thanks for listening...

Thank you for sharing not only your lovely purse but also your story. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure he definitely would be thinking "another purse?". But, I think he would have an approving smile to go along with it.

 

[SparklyJ]

I haven't posted here in a really long time, but was just browsing through & catching up and wanted to say God bless you! ❤️

 

[morewineplease]

Congrats on your amazing bag...
Thanks for sharing your story.. so Sorry for your loss
Carry your new bag knowing he is looking down at you and loving it along with you!

I agree with the others, your story is truly touching , thank you for sharing it with us. There are some wonderful people in the world who are very kind and don't even know how much their words can help us ! Your bag is beautiful, enjoy it! I know your husband would be happy you got it!

+1

What a beautiful way to keep your husband with you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us. It was very touchy and am very sorry for your lost. I know your husband is watching over you as all our love ones are high up above.

A lovely story you have shared, i am so very sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))

Been awhile since I've been on here and I posted this, but I want to thank you all for your kind words. I've read and re-read each and every response. Hope I didn't miss anyone in my response back.

 

[morewineplease]

Oh no, your story was not upsetting, it just made me think of my sister and her love for Coach. I remember the first Coach she bought-it was the Mini Basket bag in olive green. She got it from Gayfers department store (it is now called Belk) when she worked there back in 1997. It was on sale and then she got an employee discount. I just remember how excited she was when she got home from work to show it to me. After she passed away, I made sure to keep it.


She was born with Epstein's Anomaly, where one of the heart valves did not form properly. By the time she passed, one part of her heart had enlarged because the one valve wasn't pumping the blood the way it was supposed to. She was expected to recover because of her age, and her overall health was o.k. (other than her heart). She went into cardiac arrest and died on the operating table. My mother also passed away when I was young, my senior year of college in '92, and my father quit speaking to me after my sister died, so I don't have access to her medical records to find out why she didn't make it through the surgery.


I agree with you about how difficult times give you so much strength. I just wish we didn't have to go through them. Sending you hugs from TN

Thank you for the hugs. Sending you hugs too as we've both endured such difficult times. Losing family, especially too soon, definitely changes your life.

 

[morewineplease]

Your story brought tears to my eyes and I am so inspired by your strength. My husband had quintuple bypass surgery two weeks ago and he is suffering from deep depression. He did after his first heart attack as well ten years ago and it has been a constant battle.

A purse is a small thing in the bigger context of life, but we grab the happiness when and where we can get it. I have no doubt your husband would want you to be happy in any way you can.

As for the SA's, some of the most amazing people from the most unexpected places come into our lives and help us heal. I am glad posting your story on the TPF helped you along your journey.

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I hope you continue to heal and continue to find some peace and happiness for yourself moving forward.

That being said, this is an AWESOME bag!!! I love it. Just stunning!

Thank you so much. Your words, especially about how my husband would want me to be happy, mean a lot. I hope your husband is doing better.

 

[morewineplease]

What a great bag!!!! I love the design on it!

So So sorry to hear about your husband!!! I am sure when you carry your new Edie, you will be thinking of him!!!

Congrats to you!!!

Lynne

I will definitely be thinking of him!

Congrats on your lovely bag. I am sure your husband would be perfectly fine with you having yet another bag so long as you are happy and healthy.

Thanks - I hope he understands.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and my condolences to you.......its good to be reminded as we go about our lives, just how fleeting life can sometimes be, and to spend as much time as possible with those we love, because life can change in an instant. i lost my mom to a heart attack 10 years ago (she had just turned 58) so i know how you feel losing someone so suddenly......time eventually heals the heart but one never forgets those we've lost. I'm glad your Coach bags bring you solace and also good memories of time spent with your husband....I have the same connection to Coach with my mom because we always used to shop at a particular Coach outlet in our travels, I fondly remember these times we spent together shopping. All the best to you!

What I bolded - so true. I'm glad you can share a similar connection with your mom.

Thank you for sharing your story, it made me cry too. A big cyber hug from me to you.

I'm glad those SAs who might have acted as "strangers" were able instead to bring you comfort. You must be a special person!

Yours is the first Edie I've seen that I like, I'm a Phoebe fan otherwise.

Thanks for the cyber hug. I agree about the Edie, first one that really caught my eye. I love my Phoebes.

 

[morewineplease]

Thank you for sharing not only your lovely purse but also your story. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure he definitely would be thinking "another purse?". But, I think he would have an approving smile to go along with it.

I haven't posted here in a really long time, but was just browsing through & catching up and wanted to say God bless you! ❤️

Thank you both! He had a great smile, I sure do miss it.