Saturday
Jan232010
What have you inherited?
Just after the New Year, my 93-year-old grandmother passed away after a long illness. She was a firecracker of a lady who lived a great story, loved and was loved, and made the best scrambled eggs you have ever tasted.
At Grannie’s funeral, I wore a mother’s ring she passed down to me. This item was one she particularly wanted me to have: when I was little, I would have her point to each gemstone, tell me whose birthstone was whose, when their birthday was, and then repeat it again. And again. And again.
It’s not worth any money, but it’s worth so much to me. I was so honored that she thought of me and made sure that I would have that memory to pass down to someone else some day.
With her death, these past few weeks have been a really reflective time for me. And it's got me thinking about a few of the other things I’ve inherited from my family members over the years.
What I received: 150-year-old wooden travel trunk from my grandfather, Tom
Why: As a baby, while playing in my grandparent's home, I apparently crawled up to the trunk and patted my hand on it. My pawpaw saw me do it, and from then on out, said that the trunk would be passed down to me. (Clearly, it was the cutest patting-of-a-trunk ever witnessed. It's too bad I don't have this kind of magic today.) It came from my great-great-grandfather's first wife, who used it to move from Texas to North Carolina after they married.
Other things I inherited from him: A passion for beautiful surroundings and large open spaces (you should have seen his acres of flower and vegetable gardens!)
What I received: Mary Had a Little Lamb celluloid toy from Lillian, my great aunt
Why: This was Aunt Lillian's toy as a child. I was the first grandchild in our family, and was unfortunately the only kid she got to know--she passed away when I was really young (although I do remember her). That said, I was, by default, her favorite grand-niece, and she wanted me to have something that had been hers.
Other things I inherited from her: A love of old homes and of children
What I received: Books from both my grandfather, Arthur, and my Grannie, Lucille
Why: My grandpa was really into me being serious about my schoolwork, and loved that I loved learning, too. I have his paperback copy of “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau. I would often see him reading this (which I adore) and I asked to have the copy when he passed away. I received some of Grannie's nursing-school books (among others) when we cleaned out her home, and they are a wonderful reminder of her commitment to her career.
Other things I inherited from them: My Grannie's perseverance, stubbornness, and dedication; my grandfather's big ideas and even his ability to whistle. And I mean really whistle.
What about you? Do you have anything passed down to you that's special--or that made you special?
in 
Photos, Things You'll Love | tagged all in the family | Email Article | Share Article | Permalink | 10 Comments
Photos, Things You'll Love | tagged all in the family | Email Article | Share Article | Permalink | 10 Comments
Reader Comments (10)
i love this post! what a great story and adore how you wove it all together. i have a milk glass candy dish from my grandma (who unfortunately passed away when i was only 18 months old) as well as a 50's-era "step" end table, very Dick Van Dyke show. but the greatest thing i inherited from her was her (and my) name: plain Teresa growing up, and then her nickname, "Tess" to reinvent myself upon entering college.
What a wonderful post. Truly, a wonderful reflection. I, too, as you know, have recently lost my grandmother, and I feel like I see the world a bit more clearly. As in, I don't want to waste time, waste energy, waste anything, really. It's all so fleeting and precious, and it really sucks that it takes a death to remember that.
I inherited a beautiful quilt that my grandmother's mother gave her. I also have a quilt that she made for me when I was in seventh grade. I will cherish them forever.
What a beautiful tribute to your grandparents. Grannie would be so proud even though she never knew anything about a "blog."
Wow, what strikes me is not the items, but the relationships you had. All of my grandparents either passed or lived too far away for me to have a close relationship with them, you are blessed.
Tess, what fun items (especially a step end table!). But I just dig that you have not just "Teresa," but also "Tess." I bet your grandma would have just loved that.
I thought a lot about you when I wrote this, Nichole. I was especially inspired by your recent post about how lucky you felt to have had her in your life. It is too bad that it takes death to remind us of that sometimes...
Quilts are the BEST. And that reminds me...I actually have a quilt that my great-grandma made for me. It's full of pink and blue Holly Hobbys (remember her?). I still use it at times--nothing is more cozy to me.
I truly am! Thanks, Lisa. And Mom...
What an amazing post. Our Grannie was so loved. She had a laugh that I would follow around the world and arms that would squeeze you tight. I miss her so much but I feel so lucky to have been one of the children that loved her. What an amazing family she raised! Beautiful! I love you Grannie!!!
mdashing....I think I forgot to tell you that I think you are amazing and so glad you wrote that!! Beautiful....
whistling? Girl, you are so going to whistle on sunday!