My path today has brought my mind back to memories and thoughts of my mom. It has been six years since she has died, but I still find myself speaking to her. Before she passed, she and my step-dad spent their winters in Florida so often it just seems as though that is where she is! Anyway, the imprint of her life was powerful, and she continues to live on in through me in many ways.
As I was working through the move this past month, I came across my mom's silver. You know the kind that our parents and grandparents were given for a wedding gift. The "real" stuff that has to be polished each year (I can remember this chore when I was young). Anyway, after six kids and a whole lot of change in the way life is done, my mom had long abandoned its use, and several years ago amidst one of her moves it was transfered from under her bed to my storage cabinet. Well now it was my turn to decide what to do with it. Of course I didn't want to get rid of it entirely; I mean it is too meaningful even though somewhat useless. This thought came to me to take some of the best pieces and make rings out of them for me, my sister and her three girls -who are like my own. This is a picture of the five of us making our star(a traditional picture we take every year at Christmas time on our Girl's Day Out). So there you have it: one more way my wonderful mom lives on and in us. She was our star:)
Tricia, My mother has been gone for 11 years and I still look "up" when I have big decisions to make and need a little guidance...Her, God-whoever is available at the time-ha!...My grandmother had a fur coat that my aunt made into teddy bears for her and my mother when she passed; so I love the idea of "repurposing" special momentos (sounds so "green")...Even though my mom has been gone for quite some time, I just recently got all of her jewelry from my step dad as we were cleaning out his house (he had been living with his new wife for about a year, and was just dragging his feet on the clean-out)... I asked him about the jewelry b/c I am the only daughter (no-brainer, right?)...My step-siblings would had no want or need for any of it....He first said "I didn't think you wanted it"?!...Well I certainly wasn't ready for it THEN, it just made me too sad...But, NOW, I'm ready!!!....It's not about "things", but the memories attached to these beautiful pieces make me feel so good when I wear them...I love that you turned the "ridiculous to polish" silver (my job TOO as a kid) into lovely rings for you girls...There's such a special feeling when you glance down and think of "her"...The hand picture of you ladies is just beautiful, and you DO have a "star" guiding you from above.
ReplyDeleteBefore I read your post, the first thing I noticed about the picture was the fabulous jewelry you're all wearing. I love silver and wear 5 rings everyday. I was totally diggin' the rings.
ReplyDeleteAfter I read your post, I just want to say that what you decided to do with your Mom's silver was SUCH a great idea; making something 'useful' again for the sake of the value & memory it holds. Refering to your Mom as your star was very touching. Six years is not a long time in the grieving process, but can seem like forever when you're missing someone. I am glad she lives on through you & your family; keep her alive.
Great picture :)
What a great idea to honor the memory of someone special, and I absolutely love the picture! My best friend from college lost her mother last August very suddenly and tragically from a heart attack. She was only 47 and Mandy, bless her heart has had such a struggle dealing with this loss. I don't know from experience how life-altering it can be to lose a loved one, especially a parent, but being there for mandy has given me great insight into the the darkness that it can create! Luckily, Mandy has taken on some vry productive endeavors to honor her mother and the wonderful accomplishments that she had during her life...like an art show, displaying her mother's countless art pieces, and this summer a full blown golf tournament with proceeds going to the American Heart Association. I think these are wonderful ways to honor the memories of our loved ones!
ReplyDeleteTricia...that is a wonderful tribute. It's so cool that you can just look at your hand and there is a priceless memento "re-purposed." I have my dad's flag (from the 21 gun salute)...It's in my "office" at home and I look at it every day. It's a warm-fuzzy!
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