Thursday, March 8, 2012

Elva's hair clips

My mother-in-law has been dead for fourteen plus years. I kept her clips and hair pins which she stored in this ancient Russell Stover's box. I found them when I was cleaning and was surprised at the painful joy/ joyful pain they aroused. She used these items every day. Could I have kept anything more intimate? I put them back where I found them, so I could run into them again another time.

I can hear her say, "Laws, what did you keep those for?"


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6 comments:

  1. ilimaMarch 9, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    That's pretty much one of the coolest things ever.

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  2. Bonnie WhiteMarch 9, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    Do you keep something like that in a little box? I might have to buy some of those chocolates and start a collection.

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  3. heatherMarch 10, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    Chocolate. The gift that keeps on giving. Sweet post, Louise. Your mother-in-law was lucky to have you.

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  4. BethMarch 12, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    I love finding things like that. The reminder is like having a little mental visit with the person. When I was at my sister's in December I went through a few boxes of my mother's things and found one of those old rain bonnets (pleated sheet of flimsy plastic with ties on the ends that folded into a 1 1/2" by 3" envelop) and it just made me feel like I was with my mother again in the 1960s for a few moments. I could see her pulling it out to protect her hair when we were out and about. I brought the little pouch back to HI with me and tucked it away so I could find it again and have another chuckle with Mom. It wasn't as intimate a find as hair clips, but it took me back to Mom just the same.

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  5. heatherMarch 15, 2012 at 6:32 AM

    How's it going with the rental car after your accident?

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  6. twebsterarmstrongMarch 16, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    Interesting, what we keep. For some reason, in my family I have been the recipient of all things damask, tatted, crocheted, etc. I think I summarily answered, "Yes! Of course!" when asked if I wanted these items from this deceased relative or that.

    And now, I have enough damask napkins for my daughter's wedding reception. And old china! And milk white vases for the table settings.

    Only because I said, "Of course!", when everyone else said, "Um...no thanks."

    And I know from whom these wonderful items came. It is meaningful, isn't it?

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