I've started clearing out Mum's house ready for sale, now that we know she can never move home. It's an emotional process as you can no doubt imagine. I lived in that house from the age of about 14 and although I moved away to Uni at 18, I've celebrated my engagement, my wedding tea, two of my children's christenings and obviously numerous Christmases and Birthdays there. I will be sad to say goodbye.
However, it's been a real pleasure 'revisiting' photographs and items that have a strong pull to the past.
This is one of my favourite photos of me, aged about 2 with my brother, who is 8 years older. It never fails to make me smile!
Thank heavens my brother doesn't read blogs - he'd have a fit, I'd put this on the Internet!!
My mother has a lovely friend who made her this gardening pinny for her Birthday. It has Mum's initial in and a pocket for her to carry her phone with her, as I always insisted that she had a phone with her EVERY time she went into the garden (the garden is a death trap with steps, lots of different levels, uneven surfaces etc etc!). I loved the fact that she had gone to the effort of making Mum this personalised apron, so as Mum is no longer going to be able to wear it, I have brought it home.
My initial is J, so I decided to 'embroider' (I have never even picked up an embroidery needle before, so I use that term loosely for fear of insulting all those of you who are skilled!) a simple Mrs above, so I now have my very own gardening pinny. I have worn it every day so far as you can see my the fact it already needs a wash and it's so useful to have a dedicated gardening pinny with a big pocket.
There is still a huge amount of sorting to do at the house, but I'm not going to rush at it. It's all part of the process of dealing with the loss of my mother despite her still being alive and I feel I owe it to her and to myself to remain very mindful of our relationship and who Mum was as I work through the clearance.
What a clever idea to embroider that 'Mrs' to make the pinny your own.....it must give you a nice warm feeling to wear your mother's apron.
ReplyDeleteWould have preferred a slightly less inept embroider, but it makes it even more 'mine' with it being wonky!! I enjoy wearing it - it makes me think of my Mum and the friend who made it for her, who has also been a friend to me, especially recently!
DeleteHow lovely to be able to make use of the apron like that. It must be a difficult process clearing out your mums house. I'm glad you're not having to rush it. Do try and focus on treasuring those precious memories. X
ReplyDeleteYes, it's emotional but I kind of feel it might be easier doing it now rather than the more usual after death..... I remember back to clearing out my father's things with Mum, after he passed away and that was excruciating, realising I'd never see him again. I guess there's no easy way!
DeleteIt's hard work - both physically and emotionally - clearing a house. Thank you for sharing some of your family memories. Jx
ReplyDeleteThere may be some more to come yet as I discover more cupboards!
DeleteYou are right not to rush it, it will take as long as it takes. I cleared my parents house on my own as I wanted to go through everything and not be rushed. Very hard thing to do xxx
ReplyDeleteI'd quite like the house sold before next winter so there is a time limit, but not too immediate!
DeleteIt's a hard job clearing out your parents home, especially when it was your family home for so many years too. I love what you've done with the pinny.
ReplyDelete