Mom's Treasures..

While I was cleaning Mom's house, I carefully dusted off some of her treasures. She remembered who gave her certain things and sometimes she would ask me if wanted something. I said yes to everything! She has a lot of stuff and has a difficult time letting go. But this time it was different. I would show her something and many times she told me throw it away. Sorting through a lifetime's accumulation of clothes, jewelry, cards, papers, and mementos is not easy. I was very respectful and never did I throw anything away without asking her first. I went through drawer after drawer of things she has saved. Every corner of her home was stacked high with stuff. I carefully cleaned and organized things as best I could. Her garage is also full of stuff. Lloyd has been helping clean that out.

You know I love dishes. Mom gave me this set of Mason's Ironstone China. It's a Regency Breakfast Set made in England. Miles Mason began making china in 1796. His designs were popular and he became very wealthy. I think the dishes are beautiful, all my favorite colors! This is a treasure. She said Mrs. Slack gave the dishes to her in 1979.

She also gave me a box of pictures, no more important treasure than this.

  

I love this little honey jar, it comes apart to store the honey and not make a mess.

 

She also gave me some quilt blocks that she embroidered, I will make a baby quilt out of them.

These two books are over 100 years old. They were Grandpa and Grandma Ames's books, Mom's parents. "Maternity Without Suffering" and "What a Young Husband Ought to Know" ...can't wait to read them!

Before I left I asked Mom if I could have piece of her jewelry to wear home. We looked through her jewelry box and she gave me these two pretty rings. She also gave me a butterfly pin, she loves butterflies.

While we were looking through her jewelry she opened a small box, all of our baby bracelets we in it. This is what they put on our wrists at the hospital. I have wanted mine for years! 

 She didn't give this to me but I really want it... the Ames Family Bible!

 

So many things still in her home... What in the world will we do with all this stuff? We will deal with that when the time comes, and the second life for her treasures will be good ones. In the meantime I left her with a much cleaner and more organized home. I think it made her happy.