A Long-lost Heirloom Reunites a Family After 15 Years

After her mother passed away two years ago, Celia Bashaw found herself drawn to the world of art, but not just any art. She couldn't shake the memory of an heirloom carved by her great uncle, Chuck Perkins, that her mother and grandmother cherished. Despite her efforts, she couldn't locate it.

She found out that the item was discovered after her grandmother passed away and her family was sorting through her things 15 years ago. She also learned that her great uncle from Vermont had given it away with the hope that the new owners would keep it.

Unfortunately, the new owners ended up selling it.

She decided to reach out to a group for Vermonters on Facebook, hoping to find the buyers and retrieve the piece she was looking for.

Bashaw shared with CNN, "(My mom) had a chest full of photos. There were pictures of everyone in the family and all the things that meant a lot to her. Among those photos were clear images of the family heirloom I was searching for. Previously, I only had a description of it and no good photos."

Bashaw shared three photos of an engraving showing a cheetah relaxing in a tree. The post was widely shared about 600 times, as reported by CNN affiliate WCAX.

A few people commented that the artwork appeared to be different from the one Bashaw had initially posted. Bashaw responded by explaining that despite some signs of aging, she could verify its authenticity through her great uncle's signature on the back of the piece.

Misty Bashaw, Celia's mother, had been looking for the missing heirloom made by her "favorite" uncle Chuck Perkins.

Misty Bashaw, Celia's mother, had been looking for the missing heirloom made by her "favorite" uncle Chuck Perkins.

Celia Bashaw shared that when a man sent her a picture of a unique engraving, she was immediately struck by its resemblance to her uncle's carving. She couldn't believe how identical it was and felt certain that it must be the same one. Bashaw was determined not to let it slip away.

After seeing the Facebook post in Rutland, Vermont, Chris McKirryher and Phil Matte realized they had the solution to Bashaw's quest. They had bought the carving at a yard sale in Pittsford, Vermont.

Bashaw drove two-and-a-half hours from Plattsburgh, New York to Vermont for a meeting they arranged. She told CNN that McKirryher and Matte were "just so darling" and she "loved them immediately." Despite feeling nervous about meeting strangers from the internet, Bashaw found the duo to be "so nice and such great people."

Matte, speaking to WCAX, expressed that "with all the bad news and everything going around, it's good to see something really nice." They agreed to sell it back to Bashaw.

Bashaw recently updated the Facebook group with her joy about reuniting with her great uncle's artwork. She expressed her gratitude to her friends, family, and community for their support in finding the piece. "I'm thrilled and grateful," she shared.

Now, Bashaw feels a sense of connection as she believes a part of her mother and grandmother has returned home.

"I don't have many things of my mother or grandmother, so it's really nice to have this photo. It's been tough for me to find a picture of me and my grandmother together. We were very close, and not having many memories makes me feel really sad," she shared.

Top: April Perkins, Celia's grandmother (left), and Misty Bashaw, Celia's mother, who died in 2008 and 2022, respectively. Bottom: Misty (left) and April.

Top: April Perkins, Celia's grandmother (left), and Misty Bashaw, Celia's mother, who died in 2008 and 2022, respectively. Bottom: Misty (left) and April.

Courtesy Celia Bradshaw

It's such a special feeling to have this important piece of art back in my hands. I wish I could share the news with my mom because I know she would be just as excited as I am. I hope she can see it now that it's back with me, especially since she was also looking for it.

Bashaw, who is also an artist, intends to return the carving to her grandfather's house instead of keeping it in her own.

"He still has the wall where there's like a faint outline of where it used to be. So, as soon as I put it there, it just feels right. I think it'll also bring comfort to my grandpa," she explained.

Editor's P/S:

The story of Celia Bashaw's quest to find her great uncle's lost artwork is a testament to the power of community and the enduring bonds of family. Through the collective efforts of strangers and loved ones, Bashaw was able to reunite with a cherished piece that held deep sentimental value for her and her family. The discovery not only filled a physical void but also rekindled fond memories and strengthened the connection to her mother and grandmother.

Bashaw's determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration. Despite the challenges she faced, she never gave up hope of finding the missing carving. Her willingness to share her story on social media and reach out to a wider community ultimately led her to the people who could help her. This story highlights the importance of community involvement and the kindness of strangers who go out of their way to assist others in need.