We all get so much. We all get presents for our birthdays, Christmas, Valentines, Easter etc etc. But what does any of it really mean? How long do we treasure that which we get?
For me there are a few gifts that really stand out in my life, things that I will treasure forever. They didn’t cost thousands of dollars, but they are priceless. One of my most favourite gifts was from my Aunt, my Moms only sister. I lost my Mom when I was 14, and the night before my wedding my Aunt gave me a box, and told me to open it once I was back relaxing and resting at the house I was staying at that evening. I had no idea what could be inside this box, and that it would mean so much to me.
Unbeknownst to me, shortly after my Mom had passed, my Dad gave my Aunt a box of my Moms clothes. She never wore them but couldn’t bear to get rid of them either, and so she held onto them. My wedding came 8 years after my Mom’s accident, and in this box was a magnificent quilt, all made of my Moms jeans and flannel from some of her nightgowns. (OMG, I am tearing up just writing this!)
At first I didn’t realize what it even was. I opened the box, and it was all neatly folded with with a note from my aunt in one of the jean pockets. She went on to tell me how this came to be. And I am pretty sure I lost it, and bawled like a baby! Heck, it still makes me even now, almost 9 years later! My Aunt had made me a cuddle quilt out my Moms stuff so I could snuggle up and still feel close to her. (Ok, here go my tears while writing this! Holy Moly!) Included with the different quilted squares were fabric photos of my Mom, Dad, brother and Aunt. I love how it makes me remember. There are 2 squares (you can see in the photo above) of jean material with a bull dog and bikes. Those were shorts that my Mom had, and at the time I thought they were silly, but now seeing them, it makes me smile!
This gift didn’t cost my Aunt a ton of money to make, all it really cost was time and the love that went into making it. I am not sure if she really knows HOW much this means to me to have. Being only 14 when my Mom died, I didn’t want her clothes. We donated it and obviously my Dad gave some to family to have. As I had grown older I had wished that I’d kept some pieces of her clothing. So getting this, meant I would always have them with me. And I have used it to snuggle up on many occasions when I was blue or just needed to feel closer to my Mom.
I am sharing this with you all because I think this is such a thoughtful gift. It goes to show you that you don’t have to break the bank to give a meaningful present. I also wanted to share because I think it is such a fabulous idea, and I think a lot of people who have lost someone would love to have something like this of their own loved ones items.
The best things in life don’t have to cost a fortune, but when made with love, they are remain just as priceless. xo
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Thursday - 15 / 11 / 2012
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Thursday - 15 / 11 / 2012