When
I stand at my dresser in front of my
open jewelry box every morning there’s a brief moment or two when I must
decide what reminder to take with me that day. Shall it be the small gold cross
that my husband gave me when our youngest son was born? Or perhaps the bracelet
my best bud Karen gave me? It’s a magnetic shimmering little bit of a thing and
it’s supposed to help if you have arthritis. Which I do and it’s most
pronounced in my wrists.
Ever since I was a teen I’ve loved wearing other people’s things. It could
be because we were so poor and hand-me-downs were the order of the day. Mom
would get boxes of clothes and shoes from well meaning relatives and we’d plow
through them to pull out the gems. And I got it in my head that other people’s
belongings were somehow more trendy, expensive, tasteful – whatever – than anything we owned. I remember one dress I wore all the time in high school. It had a
paisley pattern in muted colors and the style was only a few years out of date. Was it an aunt who had
given it? I can’t remember but I loved wearing it.
When
Mom died back in 2011 my sisters and I took on the duty of cleaning out her apartment.
Tough gig. You must touch everything your mother owned. We had to decide which
of those things we wanted for our own. I took the picture of the angel. She’d
always loved that print and I’d found it in a catalog and sent it to her one
year for Christmas. It’s in the room where I’m writing this. Hey, Mom. I also
took some scarves – my granddaughters love them – and a denim jacket that is my
first choice on a chilly day. Washes up like a dream.
The
bulk of my jewelry has been given to me, mostly by other women. I love these
women. A dash of brightness in my ears, at my wrist or around my neck reminds
me of their friendship. I imagine them standing at a craft fair table or a
counter at Kohl’s or our local gift shop. They’re thinking of me and I know how
that feels because I do it, too. But they’ve bothered to take the time to
consider their choices and find something to please a friend. How cool is that?
So
who shall I take with me today? My daughter-in- law Heather gave me a pair of
silver double hoops. Casual, easy to slip in and go with everything. Probably
those. I’ll take Heather with me today.
Can
you relate?
Oh my goodness Sue, you make me cry. I have to confess a transgression that I still feel guilty about to this day. You had a job in High School; I don’t remember what it was but you saved your money and spent it on clothes. One outfit I loved was a light orange mohair sweater with pearl buttons and a matching straight skirt. Beautiful. I took it out of your closet one morning and wore it to school without your permission. I felt so elegant all day. When I got home all hell broke loose and you complained to mom. I didn’t ruin it or anything but it was a terrible thing to do. Anyway, I have sent you some gifts over the years that I hope you have used. You always look lovely. Your sister Shari, YIKES!
ReplyDeleteAh Ha! Wait, now, I thought that was Wendy. LOL I confess I don't even remember the incident. You probably looked better in that sweater anyway. We always remember the bad we do and forget the good. And you do sooo much good, Sis. Love you.
DeleteFun! I never did have the fun of sharing clothes with a sibling. We just weren't the same size. And now I have all boys, so no one here will ever--ever--try to sneak out in my cheetah-print shoes with the bling on the toes. Ever. :D
ReplyDeleteMy scarves and "fun" things are safe. LOL.
Oh, good, Rhonda. We all need a safe place for our treasures. But - beware - a granddaughter down the line might develop a thing for bling. Just sayin'. Thanks for visiting!
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