Chapter 1: The Unexpected Find

I stumbled across something remarkable, yet its purpose eluded me.

Photo credit: iStock

By Jeff Cann

I struggled to label it. Was it a board, a plank, or perhaps a tabletop? Each term seemed inadequate for this substantial piece of wood. I discovered it while exploring my new neighborhood, rummaging through the alley behind my home—a hidden path marked by potholes and swarming mosquitoes. I seldom drove my car through that alley, fearing for my tires, and I rarely ventured there on foot, wary of the potential threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The moment I spotted it, I was captivated—a gigantic slab of lumber, measuring ten feet in length, three feet in width, and a solid two inches thick. Unlike the modern two-by-fours that have been reduced to an inch and a half, this board appeared to possess its original dimensions, likely as old as I was. Leaning against an aging stockade fence, its posts and boards were visibly bowed under the weight of time.

In my imagination, I could picture this plank transformed into a beautifully crafted table, its surface polished to perfection, elegantly stained and mounted on intricately designed legs. In a grand home, it would serve as an exquisite dining table; on a farm, it might grace a rustic outdoor setting, surrounded by the sounds of clucking hens and barking dogs. Its legs could be sturdy four-by-fours, supporting a surface that bore the marks of countless meals prepared for a family.

However, in my modest house, there was no wall capable of accommodating such a large table without obstructing a doorway or closet. I had no clear purpose for it. The plank remained, exposed to the elements, slowly deteriorating, waiting for a fortunate soul to claim it. I could only wish that one day that lucky person would be me.

When my daughter Sophie entered the world, I strapped her into a chest pack and began taking long walks around our neighborhood, weaving through streets and alleys. I narrated our adventures with an endless stream of chatter. “This is where the college students hang out—notice their keg collection? And here’s that amazing board that has been in our alley for years.” The mosquitoes buzzed around us, eager to feast on Sophie’s delicate skin, while I struggled to lift the corner of the plank, unable to gain enough leverage to move the weighty wood.

Living in a busy city can be challenging, especially for my wife and me. Overwhelmed by the relentless noise of traffic and the inability to enjoy a peaceful outdoor conversation due to the constant interruptions from delivery trucks, we chose to relocate to a small town two hours away. Our new house boasted a spacious unfinished basement, just waiting for a handmade, oversized workbench. Despite the moving company charging by weight, we decided to transport that massive piece of wood with us.

Now, as our children have grown and a new move approaches, I reflect on how my workbench has served me faithfully for twenty years—fulfilling my wildest aspirations. However, when we relocate, we will leave it behind. Our next home will be smaller than the first, and once again, I will find myself without space for this magnificent slab of lumber. I can only hope that the next owner of our house will appreciate the beauty of my treasured board as much as I do.

Chapter 2: Discovering Hidden Treasures

In this video titled "I Found TREASURE BURIED under my OWN HOUSE!", the narrator shares an exciting discovery beneath their home, revealing how unexpected treasures can be found in familiar places.

The second video, "Top Ten Treasures Found | 2023," showcases some of the most astonishing treasures discovered this year, highlighting the thrill of uncovering hidden gems.

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The story was previously published on The Good Men Project.

About Jeff Cann

Jeff Cann lives, works, and writes in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His essays and stories have appeared in various periodicals and websites, exploring themes of mental health, running, and culture. His two books, Fragments: a Memoir and Bad Ass — My Quest to Become a Back Woods Trail Runner (and other obsessive goals) can be purchased from Amazon. Jeff is married with two children. Additional essays and stories can be found at www.jefftcann.com.