The Unexpected Power of a Jigsaw Puzzle
I come from a family of jigsaw puzzle lovers. Not everyone has bought into the cult of jigsaw (my father always hated them), but the majority of our family a turn or two assisting the designated puzzle during holiday gatherings. It is one of the only ways I’ve found to keep the women of my family from talking non-stop. My grandmother is originally from Alabama and her three daughters (including my mother) picked up the gift of gab. Loud gab. Jigsaw puzzles don’t make them a silent majority, but there is an important level of concentration around the puzzle table that lessens the chatter.
In my childhood, I would often purchase puzzles at Tuesday Morning or one of the menagerie of discount retailers my mother would take me to for shopping adventures. I would peruse the puzzle aisle while she explored all the housewares and clothing racks I had little use for. Puzzling was a great way to pass several hours and I enjoyed the solitude along with the rush of finishing a full 300–500 piece offering on my own. I had a pretty solid collection of puzzles as a child, but as video games and other hobbies took hold, the puzzles quickly began to collect dust.
As the COVID-19 crisis has become more unsettlingly, I really have yearned for that stack of puzzles from childhood. My roommate and I were discussing ways to pass the time and jigsaw puzzles seemed to be a common theme. Several weeks ago, I made a Target run to see the selection available, picking up a 1000 piece puzzle and thinking it would get us through the short crisis. Several days later, I realized I should have bought every puzzle they had in stock. This crisis is not going to be short and I’m finding so many others are like minded in their interest in puzzles. A recent morning search led me to several websites with no inventory or long delays for orders. We are experiencing a real jigsaw puzzle boon in our country.
During my search, one particular company caught my attention. My hope of finding a local jigsaw puzzle maker led me to JB Manning and his company, Wimberley Puzzle Company. Wimberley is located in the Hill Country, not too far from my hometown of San Antonio. JB travels around with his pup Rio, taking beautiful pictures and transforming them into really well made jigsaw puzzles. I was thrilled to find the answer to my search, and after exploring his website, I ordered two puzzles. JB was quick to contact me that the wait would longer than expected due to an astronomical increase in his business, but I was more than willing to be a patient for my new treasures.
Ordering from JB meant more than just ordering from a local company. In discovering his inventory, I found two puzzles that had personal meaning for my life. JB has several puzzles with visuals from his travels to Big Bend National Park. Just a few years ago this week, I was in Big Bend with friends and enjoying the absolute beauty that the park has to offer. I chose two puzzles that brought back memories of that awe inspiring experience: a photo at the end of the Window Trail and the entry point to the Santa Elena Canyon. I count the week I spent in Big Bend National Park and Marfa to be one of the most important trips of my life. It was packed with so much beauty, but also holds so much meaning, especially in these last few months.
When I was preparing for my trip, I consulted with family members about the trip. My parents had been several times early in their marriage, so they shared fond memories and gave some tips. But, it was my aunt Sue who really gave next level assistance. I always knew of Sue’s love of Big Bend, but I learned it first hand as she pulled out books and maps and started sharing her amazing experiences over the years. Talking through trails to hike, landmarks to see and outside the park gems made her light up. And her help truly enhanced our time in Big Bend.
I loved my aunt Sue and our family was heartbroken when she passed away late last year. I loved Sue for her independent spirit, her ability to speak her mind, her passion for nature, and her joy of life. Sue had several spots in nature that gave her spiritual connection and peace. Big Bend was one of those places. As I’m putting these puzzles together, I think back on fond memories of my aunt. Knowing she stood in the same places I did in Big Bend and experienced the awe and wonder of creation. Embracing the gratitude of having her strong presence in my life for so many years. Wishing she would be with us to build another jigsaw puzzle at Christmas.
A pandemic crisis and a rediscovery of jigsaw puzzles have helped me grieve and celebrate someone who was such an important part of my life. I suspect through prayer, contemplation, and spiritual practices, many others are experiencing similar unexpected truths and journeys during this time. I know I’ve been surprised by the power of an old hobby. Sometimes solitude can be a good thing.
