[G] Miryam, you have been so kind. The fishes were delicious. And now that I am well fed, what of the treasures?
[M] This is perhaps the most wondrous gift any person could possess. Remember we spoke of it as the piece from Yosef at our betrothal. See the wood! You may be aware that it is not from this region. My husband secured it at the site of his work in Caesarea. I recall that he said to me of work on a fine table for the captain of some sailing ship. In return for his skill, Yosef was paid a goodly sum in coin, pieces of unusual wood from a place most distant, and bits of silver leaf.
He cut and carved the wood, using the silver as trim and hinge. I cried as he presented this to me. On all of our sojourns, this little treasure was always at my side. That was 45 years ago, yet look how fresh and new. Gabe, I do so miss him.
And now, to something few have ever seen.
[G] Such a beautiful wood chest and the gold trimmings. This must be one of which you spoke earlier, the gift from the Eastern visitors who had come here to give honor to your newborn son, Yeshua. Yes it is. I can tell by that thin gold lining. How exquisite!
[M] It is the remaining one of the original three.
Please also look at these two fine walking staffs. I use them myself at times, as I am getting to be an old woman.
During those months caring for dear cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah had asked what I considered gifting Yosef at our wedding. We decided on a walking staff. Zechariah secured the proper wood and showed me the skill of engraving.
In all of the times Yosef had proudly shown it to Elizabeth and Zechariah, never a mention was made of his help. Instead, credit to me alone was offered. You may wonder how this staff could survive for all of these years. It was so special to him, that Yosef would access it for what he called special times. Now I do recall how often it was at his side on climbs to our private hill. When I die, it is appropriate that it be given to Josus.
Look at this other one. Hold it, Gabe. Can you not feel the very presence of my darling Yeshua? It was used on trips with Yosef, and later when called to his divine ministry at Kefar Nahum and beyond. Jacob has had an eye of a hawk on it for years. It shall be his.
My betrothal gift, this lovely box, shall be delivered to darling Anne in far away Iberia. Ever dependable Jacob will see to that, I am most assured.
Dear Simon so favors this set of polished metal cups that Yosef brought from Caesarea. They are to be his.
The treasure chest, a reminder of Yeshua, is special to dear Lydda. It will be put to good use in those quiet celebrations that she and the other women, with the help of the men, do so often in his memory. Such a proper use perhaps even to hold the breads they share while marveling at his teachings, death, resurrection and forthcoming return.
This is my Menorah, the one Yosef gave to me at our return from exile. Jacob suggested that it be gifted to dear Miryam for use during those same commemorations.
Well Gabe, now that you have seen my treasures, come help me to feed the chickens. Then you shall be rewarded with some Honey Cakes.