I have been quiet, I know. Memories come flooding back as I am unpacking boxes of photo albums, ornaments, children's letters and drawings etc. from my parents home. Some memories are amazing some very sad. I have dreaded doing this and have shed many tears in the process. Some from sorrow and some of joy. Healing seems to be taking place slowly at the same time. The pretty embroidered Damascus tablecloth which my late mom only brought out at special occasions is proudly on my own dining room table next to the Christmas tree which my daughter and friend cheerfully decorated this year. My husband has fixed the old Cuckoo clock which I bought for my parents with my first pay cheque and with every cuckoo sound comes a small message of hope. My mom and dad kept every picture and every letter or postcard the children or I wrote - reading them is like reliving my whole life again...I am reminded once again who I was then and who I am now.
I don't really know where to go with all that I inherited, especially the bigger things like the dining room suite etc. in this small home, but for now I know that it is in my care and that is all that matters. My newly wed daughter and her husband came and scrubbed down the small Welsh dresser that my dad made with much care for my mom and it now has new life in their home. My dad would have been proud!
Finding the papers and now having proof that I really am from French decent has left me much to ponder on and I am inquisitive about this heritage.
Shortly after my dad passed away it was my eldest daughter's wedding. I tried to only concentrate on that to help make it the fairytale celebration and all she ever dreamt of. And it really was all of that! The day after returning home from the wedding venue my younger daughter, the bridesmaid and the young man who drove the car were involved in an accident. The Lord looked after them and they were not injured.
I am glad to say that with all of this God is in control. He knows every hair on my head. He has made me who I am. He knows the plans he has for me and in Him is my real heritage! Even though all of the above is important I know that even when I have nothing I am still something because He loves me just the way I am.
Glad to read your post again. Today we heard the story of the wise men read. Their long search, with at least one sidetrack in Herod's dangerous court, led them in the end to the Christ child and joy. I think of your pilgrimage and "search" as you sort through your parents' things. Thanks for sharing how you are not only walking through the past, and reordering the present, but discovering in a new yourself as a beloved sister of the Christ child. Your family is large. Peace and joy to you.
ReplyDeleteI love the verses in the Bible that tell us God is our inheritance and our portion. It is comforting to know we have a family in heaven as well as on earth. God bless you this year.
ReplyDeleteI was really moved by your "Memories" blog Theresa. It struck a chord deep inside of me and the song "Memories" came to mind. The odd thing is that i have been writing my memoirs for some time now, and it too has been titled "Memories". One day i would like to share my memories with you.
ReplyDeleteEk wonder waar my comment op die stukkei heen verdwyn het--ek het seker verkeerde knoppie gedruk-ek het dit sommer weer gelees en weer van vooraf geniet en ander dinge daarin gesien. Watter dokumente boekstaaf jou Franse herkoms?
ReplyDeleteJy het werklik 'n amazing gawe om prenjies te skilder met jou woorde-dit het sommer gevoel ek sit saam met jou daar en kyk deur alles!