Not quite two years ago, I lost my mother. While she was a ripe old age of 83, one can never prepare for the loss, the emptiness, the hurt from losing your mother. She's the one who loved you unconditionally and was always there for you, no matter the circumstance, good or bad, from the moment of your very first breath until the moment of her last.
Now don't feel sorry for me. We all will go through loss sometime in our life. What they say is true- life goes on. It's just never the same. You find a new normal and you go on, making new memories but also remembering the old. Thank God for memories!
"Moving on" takes on many shapes and forms and it also includes many responsibilities- some more difficult than others. One of those responsibilities includes cleaning out your loved one's "stuff", hence, the beginning of the many trips to the "store".
At first I thought this task would be painful, but little did I know how healing it would become. Every item I pulled out suddenly became a discovery - a memory - a joy! The Abe Lincoln and George Washington plaster of paris figurines I would take to school each February, the little wooden table where my mom and I had sat for tea parties, and the many old metal cookie cutters we used to create the most beautifully, decorated cut-out cookies you ever saw. Well- at least in my eyes!
And soon the sorting became a search. Remember that old Fascination game? I wonder where that went? What about mom's old frail cardboard doll house that required the most extreme care to assemble? Yes, it became a discovery and a treasure hunt all mixed into one.
So today- what did I come home with? You will never guess! It's cracked, it's dusty, it's probably useless, but oh---- it's full of memories! It had to come home with me - our beloved plaid thermos picnic set. This plaid cloth/leather zippered bag contains two thermos' - one for hot, one for cold and an oblong plastic lunch keeper which sits perfectly between the two beverage thermos. Wow! What a find! And Wow! What a memory!
A product of the 60s, this fashionable thermos kit followed our family everywhere. It joined my grandparents, Mom and Dad, my brother and I on our 1963 train trip to California to see my Aunt Ethel. Heaven forbid we would waste our hard earned money on snacks from the dining car! We had our own sandwiches loving made from home! And don't forget the trips to the Iowa State Fair with the Ausdemores! We would open the trunk of our '68 Impala, spread out a blanket, get out the picnic kit and enjoy a feast of home baked chicken and potato salad. Oh my goodness! I can almost taste it just thinking about it! Or what about the many trips to the field? This bag was always packed with goodies to give Dad and my Uncle Marv a refreshing break from planting or harvesting the crops. And, of course, the lunch in tow was always made with love. What memories!
So today I brought home a memory. Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can remind you of the best of times? Thanks dusty, old, plaid Thermos picnic kit. You served us well and your contents carried much more than a thermos and sandwich bin. You carried love -- more than you can ever imagine!
What a treasure Diane! I think your mom is with you as you relish in these memories.
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