The Memory Jar

It was an idea I'd had for a while... gathering some of my own "memories" and those from family members to put into a jar for my wonderful 87-year old mother. Reminiscing is always fun, and I thought this would be something that she would especially enjoy.

I sent out e-mails to my sisters and our kids, letting them know what I had planned, and asking them to please take a little time to think about special memories involving Mom ("Grandma" to the grandkids), jot them down and send them to me.

Once they all rolled in (and I had a few good belly laughs reading some of them!) I printed them out on different colors of paper, cut them apart, folded them and placed them inside a Mason jar. The project was a joy for me, and especially so as the memories started stacking up (I ended up with almost 150!) Each one was a heartfelt and unique testimony of family love, and I knew that within those memories, lay a very special gift for my mother.

I decorated the lid of the jar with pretty fabric, ribbon and beads... and presented it to my Mom yesterday. She received it (as she always receives gifts) -- with genuine delight and appreciation. We talked a little about what was in the jar, and she read one or two "memories" before I left... but honestly, I don't think she realized the significance yet of what was actually in the jar.

Well, a little later that evening I got a call from my mom, who tearfully told me how deeply she had been touched by the Memory Jar. She said she spent over an hour reading all the memories in the jar, and that it was one of the best hours of her life. She said she laughed... and she cried... and she remembered. Oh, how she remembered! She said it was a gift that she would forever cherish.

So thank you, my family, for helping to make this Memory Jar possible. But most of all, thank you, Mom, for being the wonderful, loving mother (and grandmother) that you have always, always been.















I love you, Mom, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your Memory jar. But believe me, the pleasure was all mine.

A Sweet Surprise!

I came home from work last Friday to a surprise!

Carefully placed between my two back doors was a lovely bouquet of flowers! But peculiarly enough, there was no card!

"Who gave these to me?" I wondered, as I happily arranged them in a vase of water.

Well, obviously it was someone who doesn't have a key to our house... so that ruled out the "usual suspects", such as husband and children! My mind started to speculate.

Hmmm... I'll bet it was my sweet "honorary" son, who had said the nicest thing to me just a few days ago. Or perhaps it was his lovely wife who I have been helping with a quilt? Or maybe it was my nephew and his wife, who had spent a few days with us recently? Or maybe my mother wanted me to know that she appreciates and enjoys the manicures/pedicures that I give her? OH! I know, I'll bet it was my sister, who I sat with recently while she was having a minor procedure done.

It was very fun, and surprisingly reaffirming to look back over the last few days or weeks and think of people I care about who may have been moved or appreciative of something I had perhaps said or done. The list became a little longer. I was reminded of the wonderful friends and family in my life, and of the thoughtful give-and-take that is such a blessing.

So one by one, I asked them... and each time as I was ready to thank and hug them, I got the same answer, "It wasn't me! I wish it was, but it wasn't!"

So who gave me the flowers?!

I still don't know. But everytime I look at them, I smile... and I thank this person in my heart.

This thoughtful person didn't just give me an anonymous bouquet of flowers. This person gave me the gift of looking back on and remembering many wonderful recent memories. I feel proud and happy that I had so many "possibilities" of who the giver may have been.

I will not forget this. And sometime, when I want to make someone's day a little brighter (as well as give them some wonderfully unique reflecting time!), I think I will sneak a bouquet of flowers anonymously between their doors!