Sacramental (Big Words)

These tangible memories of my mother

are not just sentimental.

To me, they are almost sacramental:

symbolic of her essence and  

powerfully binding, in a good way.

It started simply as a place to display the bird figurines I brought home after my mother passed away in July.  I cleared the top shelf of one of my bedroom book cases and arranged to my heart's content.

Then the sympathy cards...

Then blanket made by church members 

while she was in the 

hospital those long weeks.

And her sewing box, 

which may also have been

my Grandma Hess's sewing box.

 Next, the vintage books.

I only brought several home this time,

but I had more from previous trips,

as well as a shelf full of my father's.

Many of the vintage books are inscribed

with the beautifully handwritten names

of my grandparents and great-grandparents.

I added their photos to the shelves today...

Charles and Mary Graves Hess

with two of their children

Coray and Olive Ransom

My great-grandmother Olive Wrislar Ransom 
and my grandmother Dorothy Ransom Hess

This pocket watch,

found in the sewing basket,

is etched with the initials OEW.

That would be Olive's.

From Mom's kitchen to mine,

the star shaped baking molds

which I've been using,

this time for blueberry muffins.

 And the mini-heart tins I gave her years ago...

And finally, in other places around the house,

the stained glass pieces,

all gifts from my mother...

The mirror, a college graduation present,

which I rehung today.

The rainbow dove, a first anniversary present

to match a window in the fellowship hall 

of the church where we were married

Nativity scene

The camellia and magnolia stained glass

There is more,

like her clothes and necklaces I've been wearing,

but that is enough to show for now.

As the months go by, I will rearrange again,

put things away from this makeshift shrine.

But I will never forget.

Her real legacy 

was her love.

My mother, Mary Graves Hess Quarrier
and my grandmother, Dorothy Ransom Hess,
in July 2013

Tributes to my Mom:

• In Memoriam: A Tribute to My Mother, Mary Quarrier
• A Eulogy is Also a Beginning
• Radiant Nurturer: Recent Photos of My Mother
• Vintage Photos of My Mother

Strength in Hymn

(all related to Mom)

• No More Night 

• His Eye is on the Sparrow
• Let There Be Peace on Earth
• Be Thou My Vision 
• For All the Faithful Women
• Sweet Hour of Prayer
• In the Garden (When the Caregiver Needs Care)

This post is the second in my new Big Words series.  The first: Sanctuary.

Grace and peace,

Virginia Knowles

www.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com