Saturday, February 6, 2010

What we leave behind...

When I went to Arizona to be with my sisters in our time of grieving, I was given a few of my brother's mementos..

His "Paddy hat" he wore on St. Patrick's day..




Photos of Gerri Kathy and I that he had for years and years..high school for Kathy, junior high for Gerri and elementary for me..nothing newer..just those old back & whites..from times long since gone.

A pot from our great-grandmother's fireplace in her kitchen in Ireland..



..complete with a hole and a pretty good repair job..it held until a new hole appeared close by it..





And Gerri gave me a badge worn by our grandfather when he was with the Electric Company in Chicago..



These are special because I never knew any of the grands..all gone before I arrived.

But to hold something of theirs in my hands..to feel the rough iron of the pot..to touch the badge and know my grandfather pinned it to his suit coat everyday..my fingers are where his were..



..these things bring my immense joy and a feeling of belonging. Through these everyday items I am in my grandparent's graces..and I feel they know me.

So I wonder, what will I leave behind? Will it bring comfort to my grandchildren..will they feel they know me by the possessions of mine they hold in their hands..

I hope so. Happy Sunday ...and remember, what we leave behind will speak volumes of who we were and what we loved..

14 comments:

diane b said...

What a lovely post. I had never thought of "my fingers touching where his fingers were" when I put on my gold chain necklace which was made out of my grandfather's fob watch chain. Thank you for making me realise this.I can't help thinking the things we leave behind will not be as lasting as the things you have been left. Our society has turned into a "throw away" society and nothing is made to last anymore.

RoeH said...

I think about that all the time. I value so much what I have that were my parents, grandparents and even great grandparents. But my children do not seem to have that need. I had it when I was a child on up. I was always going through my mother's cedar chest. Will my 120 year old grand piano disappear? Will somebody find all of my OLD photos in an antique store sometime? It almost scares me.

Vicki/Jake said...

How touching Colleen. I know what you mean as I have things that belonged to some of my grands past. And hopefully, my grand kids will cherish them as well as something of mine. I have a 9 year old grand daughter who loves hearing the stories of her 4-back-great grandparents. And I'm sure little Ella will cherish you and yours...
Love the old badge, the picture of your brother and of course the old pot from Ireland with the pretty blue flowered tin at it's side...(wink wink) (0;
Thanks for a cool post today!

Vee said...

Personally, my goal is to not leave too much behind.

I so enjoyed this post...these kinds of treasures do so link us to the former generations. When I walk by my great-grandmother's vase or photograph. Sometimes I stop to stroke her face. I'm weird that way.

What a fabulous old pot and to know its provenance. What are you going to do with it now? I hope that you have wonderful ideas for it.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, wonderful post Colleen! Your surely have some very special treasures, and I'm glad that they bring you happiness.
I have a few precious things from my loved ones as well, and I hope that what my children and grandchildren discover from what I leave behind is my great love for nature and a few pieces of my art.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What beautiful treasures. I am so happy that they give you a special connection to those you haven't met yet. You will be leaving this blog which they will love.

Coleen said...

such a heartfelt post.......so true!!

on another note..i better clean up my mess so my kids don't have to deal with it!! Haha!

heart Hugs,
Coleen

La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

I love looking back on memories. You have touched so many lives in so many ways....golly-gee I only know you through blogging and I can't begin to tell me how you have touched my life. AND you are more beautiful than Della girlfriend.....You Smile more!

Heather said...

very sweet. i love how unique each item is that you know have to love on. i think my favorite is your brothers hat and your grandfathers badge :)

Art by Darla Kay said...

OMG, a beautiful post and so thought provoking!
So glad your package arrived and that you are happy with it!
I loved being able to send it your way.
THanks also for your visit today :) Your visits always make me smile!

A Wild Thing said...

My daughter and I become closer every day...she laughs,'OMG, I'm turning into my mother'...ha...wonder what she'll keep for the memories...told her she has to put me in the same urn with Scratchy and Itchy...you know what it means when they raise an eyebrow to ya...hey, I was serious!!!

Treasure the memories always!!!

s

Susan Moorhead said...

What a thoughtful post. I sometimes think how strange it is that I am wearing a scarf of my mother's - how it has stayed here and she is gone...I would feel sorry for my children to have to go through all the tons of stuff I have...hopefully I can pare down at some point. Going through my parent's stuff was difficult.

Breezy said...

Having lost both my parents I cherish the small things I have that belonged to them.. A ring that my mother wore.. a painting that my father picked out.

I want to give my grand kids the things that mean the most to me when I am still alive.. I want to tell them why they are important!

Laurie said...

What special possessions Colleen, I love the old pot, and to hold that badge has to be so precious a feeling. Thanks for sharing with us, how sweet.

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