The next phase in my parents life has begun - we must liquidate all household goods in preparation for ultimately putting the house on the market. I have spent the winter months cleaning out drawers, cupboards and closets. Endless trips to St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill or The Neighbor's Place...personalized items, important papers, even jars of pennies have been safely stored...refrigerator and freezer cleaned out and unplugged...each donation, each disconnection, each packing away of something is a piece of their lives changed forever. I can hum along at a fairly good pace and then the discovery of something will stop me in my tracks. Photographs of us when, oh, so very young, we rode for what seemed like endless days in a big heavy blue Buick or a tan colored Ford "boat" - Yellowstone, Bryce, Zion, Jackson Hole and the Grand Canyon - in the 1950's, the ultimate road trip on the new US highway system...memories...
Mom'scharm bracelet...I immediately spot the tiny sewing machine - with movable parts! Thimble & spool of thread. A cigarette lighter (Mom smoked until the '70's), a toaster with slices of bread that move and 3 engraved silhouettes for my brother & I and our David - her Grandson. The rest are largely a mystery and I will take this to her in the hopes she can tell me more.
These are mine and every one tells a story...first plane ride, school memories, bridesmaids, years of being a military family - it's all there...history linked around a person's wrist...
Two in silver and 2 started in gold...with space for adding more...
Do you have a charm bracelet? How often do you wear it?
Pat
Posted with Blogsy
I had one, probably in junior high? I sure wish I knew where it was. I would love to gift it to my granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's an emotional roller coaster for you, but wonderful for prompting those old memories. I have a silver charm bracelet. I've only had it as an adult but it has lots of holiday memories and little charms my boys have bought me. I prefer the older style charms as they have so much detail and you can find sewing themed ones! I don't wear mine in winter as it catches on clothing. They are a beautiful keepsake and the tiny detail really appeals to me. Thanks for sharing yours. X
ReplyDeleteMilestones, maybe memories are part of the process connecting the past and the future.
ReplyDeleteI have a charm bracelet that exceeded its capctity so I also have a charm necklace. I have not worn them in a while, I do like to re-visit them. The older charms have so much detail. Thanks for sharing yours!
My charm bracelet is quite full! You are right that they tell our stories, most meaningful to each of us. An equal treasure is my grandmother's charm bracelet. It has profiles of each of her grandchildren and most greatgrandchildren with their names and birthdates engraved. She wore it all the time and referred to it often when remembering birthdays. I hope that your mother will find joy in examing her special treasure!
ReplyDeleteWhat a daunting challenge, to clean out a house-full. My hubby and I helped with our in-laws and both my grand-parents homes....all 3 during an 18 month period of time several years ago. I remember all of the work and emotions that surrounded it....my heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteI too have several charm bracelets, one of my grandmother's and several of my own. I love wearing them and I still do....often get asked about them when I do. Thanks for sharing!
Want a journey you're on. Even if your parents are not aware of what's going on, im sure they would be very very grateful. I had a charm bracelet in high school and still have it, but never wear it anymore.
ReplyDeleteIt is a daunting task to resituate aging parents. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI have three charm bracelets--one from my high school/college years, but it didn't get very full. Haven't worn it in decades. Another one was from an extended family vacation we took with our kids years ago. I bought a charm to represent every significant place we visited. I wore it several times when I first got it, but not much anymore.
The third one is the only one I have worn lately. It is from Julie Letvin's "Charming" program, where each charm is a tiny paper pieced quilt block, under glass in a soldered frame. Very fun to wear to quilty events.
I still have one but rarely wear it because it jingles too much to wear to work and would be distracting.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you on this very bittersweet task.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 charm bracelets, one from early childhood and the other given to me as a young adult. Both are kept in a jewelry box, taken out only to admire once in a while.
I have two one is mine and the other was my Mother in Laws. The are rarely worn but often taken out and fondly remind me of happy times.
ReplyDeleteOh Pat. I am thinking of you. I have a silver charm bracelet from my high school years/early marriage. Now I am collecting Pandora beads with all their lovely charm/beads in silver and glass. Anyways, I hope your mom can fill in the blanks on her lovely charms. It is so fun hearing about the past.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI do! actually I have 2 a silver and a gold one.
ReplyDeleteI loved looking at yours. Your mom's is charming and yours too. You are so right they all tell their own story.
I have blogged about mine years ago.
Thanks for sharing! - hey - I got that same spam from obat :(