Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Handful of Faith in a Threadbare Purse

Sometimes, little things are precious things

Tiny and miniscule to some, extraordinary and sentimental to others.




I'm a snoop.  I confess.

I used to pour over every item in my grandmother's home.

As a child, I spent so much time there, it was my second home.

I could still take a mental tour and walk myself through each and every room and its contents.




In a bedroom, in an armoire, was this little wooden box.

One proper day of childhood investigation and inquisitiveness demanded that I take a closer look.


So, I sat down on the bed with my treasure chest.

Inside was a little zippered black pouch, some holy medals, and a wedding ring.






The little pouch was even repaired with some small stitches at one point.

Inside the tiny pouch was a black-beaded rosary and a quarter for alms.

The quarter has a little patina from being zippered up with the rosary for so many years.






At some point here, I can remember my grandmother walking through the door.

"Before you were born, my mother died. 
I found her, laying in the snow on the side of the house. 
She was walking to church (two blocks away) and had a stroke. 
This little black purse was in her hand when I found her. 
She always took her rosary to church
and an offering. 
This was hers, and so I keep it, just the way she had it"






And now it is mine

to keep just the way she had it.







Sharing with









26 comments:

Katie @ Wildwood Creek said...

Such a beautiful memento!

Kelly said...

What a wonderful story! I love that rosary. I would let that be on display. It's nice that you have all of that in your pocession to enjoy now. Thanks so much for following me too.

Debbiedoos said...

How sweet and sentimental. I adore treasures as these. FYI newbie reunion on March 29th, hope to see you there to link up.

All Things Chic 2 said...

I feel like I know you ...I can connect to this storey so much...I love the faith that our grandmothers have passed down to us...Blessings Lori...I invite you to stop by my blog as well...Your newest follower ...I'm inspired!!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

what a precious keepsake, and a blessing to have it.

Unknown said...

Love, love this post.
I wanted to let you know you are the winner of my 300th post giveaway. If you would contact me with your mailing address I will send your crow and trims right out to you. You can find my email address on my blog (contact me).
Have a wonderful week.
Michele Murray
http://nookcrannygifts.blogspot.com

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Andrea,
This almost brought a tear to my eye, in a good way, because I was a snoop at my mom's house too, and I used to go through all of her rooms looking around. Whenever I saw something interesting or that I admired, she was so gracious that she gave it to me. My mom passed away three years ago, and I miss visiting with her, and spending time with her. These keepsakes of your Grandmother are beautiful, and the frame is so pretty - I've never seen anything like it. I wanted to tell you that we changed things around on our blog this weekend, and we put your blog on our side bar as one of our favorites. Check it out when you get the chance. Your blog is not only wonderful, but you are so special too. I'm glad that I met someone who appreciates their family's treasures as I do. Have a good week.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

cathy@my1929charmer said...

What a wonderful post and sharing of your memories. I also can remember snooping at my grandmother's house. It was always so fascinating. I picture is so pretty and the frame is lovely. My Mom has long passed, and I have so many of her treasures that mean so much to me. Every time I look at them I remember. As always thanks for sharing your memories at Sunday's Best.

Miss Gracie's House said...

awww...what a sweet family treasure to have...sorta reminded me of my dear grandma mary...thanks for the blessing this morning.
Rene'

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Oh Andrea, such a sentimental story. What a precious keepsake you have to cherish. I love that you are keeping everything as is.

So sorry I missed you at Kane County.I did send you a reply to your email as to my location, but I just noticed that you have a no reply. So, maybe you didn't get my email. Maybe next time. I would love to meet you.

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Ann said...

Thanks for sharing your touching story.

Anonymous said...

I choked on your story. What a beautiful way to remember your mother - walking to church. Jesus took her home. What a perfect keepsake.

Terriea Kwong said...

Such touching memories and keepsake for the loved ones. They're treasures from one generation to next.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I love that story.
Laura (a fellow snoop)

Maria @ All Things Luxurious said...

Wow. What a beautiful story.

Kelley said...

How lucky you are to have such a lovely momento from your Grandmother. Beautiful story!

xx kelley

Judi said...

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have many items of from both my grandmothers. The items are not worth much in money, but the memories that they bring to mind are PRICELESS.

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

How lovely that you get to be the curator of such a sentimental keepsake :)

Bliss said...

What a sweet story. I enjoyed it.

~Bliss~

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

What a precious story, Andrea. These items are sure to be cherished for more generations. Your great-grandmother was walking to heaven that day.
Thanks so much for sharing.

Stephanie said...

That was a beautiful story and you told it so well. What a beautiful family treasure to pass on to future generations.

juNxtaposition said...

just perfect..lucky you !

Unknown said...

How lovely that you are now the keeper of your great-grandmother's relligious articles. I have my mom's well worn rosary that she had with her in the hospital when she passed.

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