missing Mom a bit

[journey11]

Cane, that is a beautiful display you have put together in memory of your mom there. The quilts are so pretty! I'm glad you had your sister there to help you. That's where the healing lies, in remembering together the good times.

We had so many funny stories about my FIL. He was such a character and had such a full life for his 57 years. Sitting around the table laughing together and going through old pics was very healing.

I've spent several days, 2 Uhaul trips, countless carloads...trying to get my mom moved into her new place. I told her I don't want to go through that again in 20 years! I have to go get the last of it today. The weather has made it really dragged out. She has lots of mementos from her family that has gone on before. A lot of it won't have much significance to me though.

It was necessary that my sister and I had to go through mom and dads house soon after they died, and they died so close together in time....56 days. It was hard, everything was so raw and overwhelming. Lots of tears shed there.

I just can't imagine how hard that must have been... So close together.

Other than clearing out the fridge and freezer and winterizing the house, I haven't touched anything in my dad's house either. I am hoping my brother will take the house as his third and that going through Dad's things will give him a good dose of humanity. Haven't spoken to my brother in months. Have an infant nephew he doesn't see much, much less the rest of us will ever see. My brother didn't come see Mom for the holidays, help her move or go to my grandpa's funeral either. I don't know if he'll even want the house now. He did at one point.

There's a red flannel shirt I bought Dad one Christmas I want to get. I think I'll make a memory horse (instead of a bear) out of it. I will take my old college dorm fridge to put eggs in. I already have Dad's Bible and song book. We'll divide up the guns, probably just between my sister and I since my brother already stole 3 while Dad was ill. He's a felon, so not supposed to have them.

 

[Nyboy]

My Aunt and Uncle lived 3 houses from my parents. They had 3 sons who where much older then me. When my aunt died her sons came one day and empty the whole house on to curb for garbage pick up. My dad went threw it after they left and could not believe what they threw away. Things like my aunt's jewelry,( diamonds and gold). fathers gold pocket watch. It was as if they wanted nothing from their parents. I wonder what really went on in that house no one knew about.

 

[digitS']

You made a really nice memory corner.

Yes, you did.

Debbie, my mother died in 2007 and through that year and earlier I have had a little paperback book that she gave me. She gave me a lot through the years that was of a great deal more value but, I think, this was the final material gift. I keep it on top my bedroom dresser. It won't be something that anyone else will want. It's of no value to anyone but me.

There isn't much deep wisdom on it's pages. Mom was a Family Circle fan and she and Dad had been to a senior center rummage sale. It was probably a couple years before she died and she was still able to get around a little.

My glasses were on it this morning. My wallet stays on a folder with her obituary inside. I wrote that for the pastor and can't bear to open it but only once in a while.

Steve

 

[valley ranch]

Quote canesisters: jar full of buttons


I remember that jar~ it was different each time~ still~ I could remember~ almost each button```


Did you see that Irish Film: "War of the Buttons" so good in a way```

 

[valley ranch]

When I use Father's tools~ or follow his hints~ while working~ He~ is there with me```

 

[flowerbug]

Grandma's old button tin had a lot of action from me as a kid. i'm pretty sure this is connected to us both (Mom and me) liking to pick rocks from beaches, sorting stones, me and the beans and sorting them. the tactile, colors, shapes, different materials all fit right in.

a few years ago she made two very nice small quilts and i picked out buttons for them (the old kind made from shells) - they turned out nice. now sitting on the backs of two chairs. one is mine, one is hers. i don't think i can do anything with it but look at it. way too nice to use.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

Bringing tears to my eyes. I was able to get a few things of Daddy's when he passed, but his wife limited most of us 4 kids having anything.

Mother is 87 and in great health. She will outlive me...................

 

[thistlebloom]

Oh Wow! What a special thing to have from him!
Do you use it??? I would be tempted to stand it up somewhere and use it as shelves or mount it on the wall or something like that.

I do use it, but only in the house. It seems right somehow that it should still be useful.

One day I found my husband using it outside to get at something on the roof, gave me a little quiet heart attack.
I asked him to please use the other ladders that could be turned into firewood for all I care about them, and to please respect my sentimentality toward this old homely ladder. It has a home in my office now, leaning against a wall, ready for me to climb to clean a ceiling fan, or get something out of reach. Kind of like an old friend.

 

[baymule]

I have my Mother's old aluminum canisters for flour, sugar and tea. They are homely, but I love them. I also have her old Salad Master stainless steel cookware. I have some of my Daddy's tools.

It is wonderful that you and your sister could go through your Mother's things together. Having a sister there made it a whole lot better than having to do it by yourself. I love the picture of what you have done with her things. What a lovely way to cherish her memory.

 

[thistlebloom]

Bay, I know we've spoken of this before, but I have my moms SaladMaster "food processor" and her SaladMaster cookware also. I use the 6 cup egg poacher every Sunday for our breakfasts.
They're 68 years old now.

I think it's neat that our moms used the same cookware.