This over-sized, ceramic glazed, earthenware mug is my favorite. It holds two cups of coffee, cocoa, or hot tea. It was a Christmas gift a couple of years ago from my oldest granddaughter, Ashley, 22, who will be getting married in four months. It is one of a matching pair. The other one is navy blue and has PaPa etched on it.
Every morning when I awake between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., the first thing I do is fill my mug, pop it into the microwave for two minutes and then, head to the study to write, search markets, check out blogs and Facebook.
When I cradle the mug in my hands it is as if I am cradling the bald headed, blue-eyed baby girl I called my Tweety bird when she was born. This mug holds the memories of a bright precocious preschooler with bouncing blonde curls who gave me so many laugh lines; a hurt little school girl who suffered the consequences of her adults' behaviors; a non-judgmental teen who befriended the problem kids so she could help them; a bright, young woman of strength and character, with a great sense of humor and sharp wit.
In the quiet early hours I sip from the memories and can almost hear her beautiful voice singing, I Hope You Dance. In the swirling liquid I gaze into her youth and hear her singing A Capella in front of the high school student body. I laugh at her talent show antics, her college artistic ability, her way with people, her brilliance, her delightful personality.
I feel all of her hurts and all of her happiness as I hold the past in my hands. The beverage warms not only my hands and tummy but my heart. This mug represents a little girl who held hands with me and called me Nana ever since she was one year old.
These days she is busy making her own life, working, preparing for her future. I seldom hear from her unless I call her, and when I do, she usually TEXTS me back. Kids! :)
But when I wrap my fingers around this mug, I feel the warmth of her little hand in mine. Nana's girl is grown up, and she doesn't need me anymore, but she will always be my girl. Ever since I can remember, we said goodbye or ended every phone conversation this way, Me: "You're my girl!" Ashley: "You're my nana!"
These days she says, "You're my Nan." After all, she's a big girl now.
I read recently: Time passes swiftly when you get older. The only thing a grandparent really wants is time with grandchildren, a few minutes, a phone call an unexpected visit. When they are gone, will you say, "I'm glad I did, or I wish I had." I am so proud of Nana's girl.
Do you have an object that evokes special memories when you hold it in your hand?
13 comments:
I so loved this post, and yes I do, I also have a mug from Praga, where I went for my first holiday as a married woman. It sits on my desk at work and reminds me of all the good times I had and will have with my husband!
Actually, I don't think I do. I learned early how fleeting life -- and things -- are, and so try to be mindful of that. That said, of course, I have filled my home with things that emit a certain kind of light. Hmmm. So I guess I do. :-) There is a certain light that I believe was around any time I was with my grandma, and I think I try to recreate that...
Thought provoking!
Pearl
Never having had a grandma, I don't think Ashley realizes how lucky she is - or maybe she does. Anyway, yes, I have many things that my children and others have given or made that hold lots of memories for me.
Does wearing something count? I have a sweater poncho that I wore all through college--and still wear. Makes me feel 20.
(That was a very good year. ;-)
You are so right that the older we get, the faster time goes. I was told this fact often enough when I was young but never believed it! Glad you have your grands close by...we are missing a lot by distance!
I touch a picture of my Kali and Destini when I walk by it. Those girls have been the joy in my life for 9 and 10 years and I was an important part of their upbringing. They love their Grandma! I'm so blessed.
Probably old photos are most evocative of memories for me. It's a definite transport back in time.
This was a very sweet post, Linda.
Pat
Critter Alley
Sweet, sweet post, Linda. It's true that we seek just precious moments from those we love most.
Yes, my cranberry glass evokes very precious memories. I wrote about it in Friday's post, as a matter of fact. Take care, Linda. Susan
Wonderful post. I hope I end up with more "I'm glad I dids" than "I wish I hads."
I can feel your love for her in your words. I have what I call a baby wall in the second bedroom here. It has pictures of my grandchildren as babies. When I am missing them I go in and gaze at them. One of my favorites is my 5 year old grandson holding his new baby sister with such a look of wonder and love on his face. I can recall the walk into the hospital with his hand in mine. I said, "You are my heart, can your new baby sister be my soul?" He stopped and looked up at me with big blue eyes and said, "No, Gramma, I am all of that to you!" He is almost 17 now.
What a sweet story! Right now I am with my grandson #1 and I try to skype with grandson #2 every week. sandie
Have you seen the new word verification? It's hard.
What a poignant post. I am all misty eyed! Oh yes, I have so many things that remind me of my children and grandchildren...a little soapdish that my daughter gave me during our 'rocky' years...but I treasure it because she said 'love'. The scarf I wore the day her daughter, my first grandchild was born, almost 14 years ago...greeting cards from my sons, old photographs...I am a sentimental fool...
A beautiful post, Linda. And I'm quite sure that, whether she admits it or not, she still needs her Nana!
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