I love the Tiffany lamp in my living room. I probably would love it simply because it is beautiful but I love it deeply because I know its story.

This lamp was shattered when it was knocked to the floor. I remember picking up the pieces and trying to reassemble them. I had to admit that with both a bent frame and missing glass the prospect of restoration seemed bleak. But somehow, I felt this lamp needed a chance. So I packaged up my broken treasure, carried it to a Tiffany glass repair shop and laid it out on the counter marked “Customer Service.”

After checking out the various areas of damage, the seasoned appraiser shook his head. “There is no way this lamp can be repaired. Even if we tried, it would cost way more to fix it than it would to buy a new one.”

As I heard these discouraging words my determination to save this lamp grew into a near obsession. Undaunted, I asked, “If I were to try myself, what materials could I use?”

With obvious awareness that I could not be stopped from attempting that which would end in disappointment, the expert brought me some broken pieces of colored glass and wrote down the names of two types of glue that could be purchased in a hardware store. He said I should place the glass into the gaping holes, mix these two types of glue together and use the mixture to create a seam.

I thanked him and rushed to the hardware store with excitement. I remember how thrilled I was to find the glues that would make this project a success.

I worked for hours. I matched broken glass with openings in the lamp. The seams I created were thicker than the original but I actually liked the way they looked. I was able to bend the top frame in such a way that, even though it was crooked, the shade hung evenly.

Now, when friends comment on how beautiful this lamp is, I simply say thank you.But, each time I stop to think about it I remember that there are no hopeless cases.

I love this Tiffany lamp in my living room. I probably would love it simply because it is beautiful but I love it deeply because I know its story.