Notes of Treasure
My mother use to leave refrigerator notes for me. These were not notes that she had written, though she could have because they sounded so much like her, but articles she'd found here and there and cut out for me. For even though she hadn't written them, they were still from her heart.
I remember one I found on the refrigerator while I was packing for my freshman year of college. It was an amusing little story written by a mother describing how lonely she was for all the irritating things that her daughter use to do, now that her daughter was away at college. My mom wrote on it "This is how I'm going to feel. Love, Mom". She wrote the date on it, she knew I would keep it and I did. I have it pressed along with all the other refrigerator notes she left me.
I don't remember if I thanked her for them. Probably not. But I've always been thankful for them.
My mom died suddenly and very unexpectedly when she was 53 years old. I still miss her every single day. Most of the time, though, I feel like she is right beside me, just waiting for me to listen to what she has to say about raising my kids, about my marriage and about life. When I listen, I believe I do hear her.
Those refrigerator notes may not have been her words, but they were her feelings. Now, they are my treasures.
I remember one I found on the refrigerator while I was packing for my freshman year of college. It was an amusing little story written by a mother describing how lonely she was for all the irritating things that her daughter use to do, now that her daughter was away at college. My mom wrote on it "This is how I'm going to feel. Love, Mom". She wrote the date on it, she knew I would keep it and I did. I have it pressed along with all the other refrigerator notes she left me.
I don't remember if I thanked her for them. Probably not. But I've always been thankful for them.
My mom died suddenly and very unexpectedly when she was 53 years old. I still miss her every single day. Most of the time, though, I feel like she is right beside me, just waiting for me to listen to what she has to say about raising my kids, about my marriage and about life. When I listen, I believe I do hear her.
Those refrigerator notes may not have been her words, but they were her feelings. Now, they are my treasures.
posted by kathi | 6:21 AM
22 Comments:
Isn't it amazing how once we reach our 30's that we have such a wonderful understanding of our parents. It's like someone flipped a switch. I think if it were not for the understanding there would be no place for other things to grow, like love, forgiveness, gratefulness and appreciation.
I am so sorry you didn't get more time with your mom I know she would be so proud of you and the wonderful mom you have become.
I love how the little things are the things we cherish the most. I'm so sorry for your loss.
That was beautiful Kathi. Your mother was such a wonderful person. Let's see, what does my mom do?.....I have never thought about it. Even though it's not tangible, I know I will forever remember my mom's smile. She has the most beautiful and sincere smile.
Now your treasures are ours also. Kindness recieved is often kindness shared. Her loving spirit now shines threw you. Perhaps one could say that as children we are fragile paper lanterns , the love of our parents become our candles within.
(Gassho)
Both of my parents passed away at fairly young ages also. Very neat story and what a nice reminder of your mother huh?
She's at it again 'MOM'....do something with her today....I have to go to work and won't have to deal with it though...so maybe I'll let ya off the hook on that....lol
You are beginning to boldy go where no man (woman) has gone before.
Some people can't express themselves in their own words---but when something strikes them---like words from a card or newspaper articles like your mom pulled out for you--it's still the same. It's from their heart.
Beautiful post Kath! Love you!!! xxoo
katy ~ thanks for saying that. Don't know if it's true or not, but I hope she would be. :)
crystal ~ thanks, and you're right...it is the little things.
gp ~ what happened to betty boop??? Gees, girl, this chick has her butt in my face, LOL. My mom had the best laugh, not tangible but one of my favorite memories.
johnny ~ that was a precious way to put it, thank you.
mike ~ yeah, they are a great reminder. Now, work!!
j ~ yes? and exactly where would that be??
deb ~ well, you're definitely not one of those people. And we're all grateful for that. :) Love you too.
great story - my mother used to do something similar and she would leave lil' gifts w/ it like candy or something. good post to honor your mother's memory
clay ~ thanks, I appreciate that.
That is a great story... I am glad you have them. I worry that I will throw away something of great meaning, and then, someday, when that person is gone I will always wish I had kept it.
And that, my friend, is why I am a pack rat. :)
I have about 4 boxes on my closet shelf of things I won't throw away.
Mostly cards, letters and pictures as far back as when my grandma and grandpa use to write me notes when I was little. When they died, I found the letters they kept of mine, and some were from when I was so little they were just pictures I'd drawn. I've kept those too.
And, awwwww....you called me your friend.
Excellent thoughts ma lady. I guess families nowadays won't be lucky enough to keep notes.... now it'll be answering machines & emails.... :)
I just stumbled upon your blog but I felt I had to comment... I lost my mom when she was 53 as well and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her and think about her. I always wonder if I thanked her enough or if she really felt all my love.
Anyway, I felt compelled to write and say that I am very sorry for your loss ~
The book "Letters from Motherless Daughters" is a great read if you are interested.
that's so sweet.
wes ~ I write my kids notes...but they don't save them. LOL
love ~ I'm glad you did find your way here. I'm sorry for your loss too. It's hard. Thanks for the visit and the reference to the book.
shawn ~ are you making fun of me, my darlin abm??
I really like notes on the fridge .. let me ask you this .. your mom left many notes as you mention .. now did you also have many magnets? or were they all under one magnet or a clip?
i really like fridge magnets .. i think they'r cool and well gives the Fridge a nice look !!
may your mom rest in peace!
My Mom is now 53. She is very ill and your words really made me FEEL her today.
Dankie Kathi. / Thank you Kathi.
nabeel ~ to tell you the truth, I can't remember the fridge or the magnets at all. Hmmmmmm....
wenchy ~ I hope I didn't make you sad, I meant that their precense in our life should be treasured.
Hugs Wenchy, your mom will be in our prayers.
My mom used to write me notes all the time..thank you for reminding me about it! That was a very nice story..thanks for sharing!
anne ~ thank you, and you're welcome :)
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