I just can’t believe it is almost the middle of July. It seems that as an adult, the days, months and years just fly on by me. I don’t remember time always going so quickly when I was younger. Do you know what I am talking about?
I remember when I was little loving this framed cross-stitch piece of my grandmother’s. I think it was the colors in the print and the pretty little rainbow that drew me to it back then. I never really paid attention to what it said. But I do remember always telling Mama C (that’s what we all call my grandmother on my mom’s side) that I wanted it one day.
Reading it now, the quote means so much. There is are so many things in my life that hurt on the front end. But on the other side of each hurt, there was a beautiful blessing. I wouldn’t change a single thing, a single event, a single tear… it has all formed me to be the person I am today and has led me even closer to God. After all, it’s when the tears are there that I always want to crawl in the lap of my Father! How much closer can you be?
I’m ashamed to say that I had this piece stored in my closet because I didn’t have a place for it. I brought it out today and as I got ready to hang it, I saw on the back where Mama C had written,
“This belongs to Melissa, Lois Cooper, 1985″
When I was 6 years old, she had thought ahead to be sure I received this piece I love so much at that moment. And in addition to having this sentimental piece, knowing that when I was that young, my grandmother listened to what I was saying and made sure it happened, that means the most. Thanks Mama C!
What do you have that inspires you? Not something new, but something from the heart. Something that takes you back, that helped to form the person you are. Something that is priceless!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Karen 07.07.08 at 3:57 pm
That is so nice — the added note on the back makes it all the more special. I love that.
I have a small oil painting that my mom did when I was younger. It was always just sitting around, first in my sister’s room and then in mine — nothing special really and not even one of my mom’s best, but I always loved it. It’s an old 80’s-style painting of the beach, still in the same old gold frame that I’ve always kept but never had a place that it “went” in my apartment. Maybe once I’ve unpacked from the move…I’ll find a little spot for it now :)
Melissa Lewis 07.07.08 at 4:06 pm
Karen, you must find a spot. It’s such a sweet feeling to walk in the room and have the sentimental-ness of the piece wash over you from time to time.
artist in NC 07.07.08 at 4:55 pm
Melissa this really took me back. I have several pieces from my mother’s vanity. I remember being a little girl in her high heels,watching her put on her make-up. Oh how I wanted to be old enough for lipstick!!! Those treasures are now on my vanity.
Design for Mankind 07.07.08 at 6:07 pm
This is just such a lovely post, Melissa.
Hooked on Houses 07.07.08 at 6:37 pm
This got me all choked up. What a sweet post! One of my most treasured items is my grandmother’s wedding band. In a sea of grandsons, I was the lone granddaughter, so the family decided it should go to me. Whenever I open the box and look at it, I can instantly imagine her hands and her hugs. It takes me right back to childhood. -Julia
Melissa Lewis 07.07.08 at 6:41 pm
Artist & Julia, I just think family heirlooms are the best pieces to have in the home. Money can’t buy the memories they bring!
Rhoda 07.07.08 at 7:37 pm
That is SO sweet of your g’ma to made sure you got it. What a precious memory to keep from family. I know you treasure it.
xo,
Rhoda
cc 07.07.08 at 8:09 pm
What a heart warming post!!! Melissa, you SO have your heart in the right place my friend!!!!! ;)
Julia~ May I share a little something with you? I wear my daddy’s wedding ring every day. It is a simple gold band that is really too big for my finger but I wear it and have my wedding set in front of it so I don’t lose it. Every single time I look at it it reminds me of my sweet daddy (that we loss 6 years ago). I thought about sizing it to fit my finger but then decided that it would take away from it being his. Sometimes people will ask about “that big ring on my finger” (meaning size wise there are no diamonds or anything) and I proudly tell them my story. Sorry to be so long winded but what I am wanting to suggest to you is that you take your grandmother’s wedding band ouf of the box and put it on and wear it. I bet it’ll warm your heart.
HUGS!
CC
simplygrove 07.08.08 at 12:16 am
Lovely lovely post!!!!
Diana 07.08.08 at 9:54 am
YES - the time has been flying by. Maybe those fun summer days?
mrs. french 07.08.08 at 4:46 pm
heartwarming post…so glad you’re back!
Melissa Lewis 07.09.08 at 8:32 am
HOH, though I don’t have a piece as sentimental as this, I must agree with CC. I would wear it and treasure it every day!
Melissa Lewis 07.09.08 at 8:32 am
mrs. french, glad to be back in blogworld!
Trina 07.09.08 at 10:06 pm
What a great post, Melissa. Love it. I can’t think of one particular thing but anything that was passed down or has some type of memory or sentimental meaning is just priceless to me. My grandmother’s earings, letters that my sister and I write back and forth to each other, old photos of my grandparents……I love old things with meaning!!!!
Jen 07.11.08 at 10:43 pm
Great post Melissa!! My grandma did the same thing for me…she left me her set of silver and when I opened it, she had written me a long note telling me about the history of the set and how much it meant to her that I wanted to receive it. I tear up every time I read it and then I smile when I remember how much she loved us and how much we still love her :)