Janet, I too am of the opinion that even inanimate things can have a spirit all their own. I think of it more as absorbing (here comes a word from the 60s, but can't think of one to use instead) .... absorbing "vibes" from the people and emotions it has been exposed to. Even houses can be that way, as if the very wood in them radiates the atmosphere of their history. Maybe memories live more than just in our brain's memory cells? Ok ... sorry for the foray into this. I just relate to what you said to Willie and it reminded me of what I've experienced personally.
Willie, I didn't find your story about the young woman and her granddad's guitar boring. It's quite interesting, really. Wonderful that she cares enough to understand her grandfather's wishes, isn't it! My mother used to have a saying for situations like this (where one feels like, "Onoes!", and something so precious is involved). She said, "It just adds character to the piece." Probably the only way to try to look at things we wanted to keep in the original condition and circumstances dictate otherwise. Anyway, I'm glad you could fix it for her. A lot of people wouldn't have gone to the effort you have to give her options. You're a good guy.
when I was kind of shaking with excitement when my purple spinner and purple MT3 arrived. I will try to contain myself a little this time 
and I still have to place my stocking up nic order 
