The Story: The Black Suitcase
“The object of a journey is not to arrive, but to remember why you left.” — Neil Gaiman
It sat beneath a folding table at the back of a garage, nearly hidden behind a pile of forgotten tools and Christmas lights. Its corners were scuffed, hinges rusted, handle cracked—but there was something about it that stopped me. When I asked the woman its story, her face softened.
“My husband used that old thing to carry his tools when he went to California in the 80s,” she said, smiling at the memory. “He helped build condos along the beach.” Her voice brightened, carrying that faraway warmth of youth. “It didn’t last long—too heavy to lug all the way there—but he was determined to make it work.”
I could almost see him, sunburned and young, standing beside that suitcase full of wrenches and nails, chasing something new.
When I picked it up, the bottom sagged—tired, but still holding on. Inside, faint letters marked in black ink: a name. A man who built things.
I smiled, thinking about all the ways I’ve tried to carry too much—heavy dreams in fragile containers. How often we choose what’s close at hand, what’s familiar, even when it’s not quite fit for the journey.
Some things weren’t meant to last forever. Some were meant to remind us that we tried. That we built something, even if it was imperfect. Maybe the point isn’t whether it could carry the weight, but that it carried a story.
Now this suitcase holds life again—not tools, but roots. A vessel of what endures: memory, growth, and grace.
Care Guide
Note: This suitcase has been well-loved over the years. It is a fragile container. Keep under a covered area or inside for preservation.
Light: Partial to full sun (4–6 hours of indirect or morning light).
Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; check every 2–3 days during dry spells.
Drainage: Drill 4–5 small holes through the base; add a gravel layer and a ¼” plywood insert for structure. Line with landscape fabric to prevent soil loss.
Freeze Protection: At 32°F, relocate near a south-facing wall or under eaves.
Below 28°F, cover with breathable frost cloth or burlap; avoid plastic contact with foliage. Bring inside if possible.
Below 25°F, wrap the base in burlap or old towels for insulation. Group near other containers for shared warmth. Water lightly before freezing weather to help the roots retain heat.
Reminder
The Black Suitcase reminds us that what once carried tools now carries life. The rust, the weight, the wear—all remain part of the story. We, too, are vessels of memory and renewal. What we carry may change, but the purpose endures.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
With you in the soil and the story,
Ellie
A Living Story Disclaimer
Each Restoried Garden begins its journey in my hands but continues its story with you. Every vessel has been cleaned, prepared, and planted with care; however, once it leaves my garden, its life depends on your unique environment and tending. Please note that weather, watering, and placement all influence longevity, and I cannot be responsible for plant performance or wear over time. These pieces are meant to live, grow, and change, a reflection that no story truly ends; it simply takes root somewhere new.
