Saturday, December 10, 2011

hand-me-downs of the best sort

Growing up my grandfather shared many stories about his parents.  Quickly I fell in love with them, and I think it’s safe to say so did my brother Mike.  We were the youngest kids in our family and those stories we heard were better than TV.  And not just because our TV was miniscule and only got 2-3 channels depending on the weather.

As we grew older we inherited the contents of their lives.  I know my great grandmothers handwriting like that of a familiar dear friend.  And though I never met her I just know her. Do you know what I mean?

012

I had a small box of cards from her older years.  There were stacks of cards all neatly bundled and tied with the year tagged on each.  She labeled everything, maybe knowing that someday someone would be looking at each one with appreciation.  Did she know it was me?  

I laughed out loud when I saw she put a special index card where 1954 should have been to let whomever know  that year she used her cards to make gift tags.  It’s a good thing as I would have been up all night wondering where all the cards from 1954 were!

9 comments:

Paula said...

I am catching up on your posts and again wish you lived closer so I could snoop through your stuff up close and personal. Your cards are an amazing gift. I hope you keep the stories you heard alive by telling your children...and their children.

Andi said...

I love it! I think I shall make a "wreath" out of an old embroidery hoop and clothes pins and pin my grandmas cards through the years on it. I think I shall do it right now...

Prairie Rose said...

I LOVE these old cards!
I found a bunch of old cards at a thrift store last year and they were in great shape, so I sent them out to friends and family this Christmas!
(visit my blog to enter in a giveaway I am hosting;)

Unknown said...

That's funny! I inherited a bunch old '60s era UNUSED Christmas cards from my husband's grandmother! I want to string them on a line like you did--so cute! I'd send them out but it's expected that we do a family photo Christmas card... I, sadly, hoard other people's stuff but have tossed our cards old cards out. So our grandkids can enjoy their great-great-ever-so-great grandparents stuff!

Emily said...

Aww, that is so sweet. You know she was thinking of you.

Barbara said...

I know exactly what you mean about recognizing handwriting. That card collection is wonderful (and I love that she explained the missing year!)

Leslie said...

Wow those cards are amazing!! I love this post!
Have a great Sunday

Leila said...

Those cards are a treasure! How sweet. I wish today's cards looked like that!
I'm glad you keep and love them!

Juniper said...

These cards are wonderful! Such a kindred spirit to yourself (or so it seems from afar), this great grandmother of yours, she seems to be with you even now. Hmmm maybe a possible name for your wee little one. Very special thing to have such a connection to someone in your distant family, and she liked to re-use- how crafty!