A Gift From My Mother

Hello My Friends,

I am slowly on the mend; starting to feel a little better.  Yesterday, my husband brought me something that really cheered me up!  I have to tell you the story; it is kinda long and has nothing to do with scrapbooking but if you grab your coffee or hot cocoa and sit with me awhile; you might enjoy my Christmas tale.

When I was about 11 years old; Christmas was coming around and the morning television shows were being bombarded with new Christmas toy ads. There was this commercial that would come on that I absolutely hated!  It was for a Francie Doll (Barbie's modern cousin).  I found the commercial and I understand why I hated it so much; it was this woman's voice!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff2OyUgjrGE check her out...annoying right?  Anyway every time the commercial came on I would comment how much I hated that Francie doll.  Well one of my sisters or brothers decided it would be great fun...a wonderful joke...to tell my mother I wanted Francie for Christmas!

Christmas morning finally arrived after what felt like a million years and I ran down stairs with my 14 brothers and sisters (or however many were home at that time) to discover that Santa had brought me not only the Francie Doll, but the Francie Case and a bunch of Francie Clothes!  I think there might even have been a Francie coloring book!  I stood there in absolute shock and horror!  I wanted to cry!  Meanwhile my mom was walking around checking to make sure everyone liked their presents.  When she got to me; I looked up into those big blue excited but tired eyes and I just smiled and smiled and gave her a big hug.  (After all these years I can still remember what it felt like to put my arms around her waist and squeeze).

So my husband was cleaning out a closet and he found her.  Here she is.


Some of you know that my mom passed away when I was 16 years old.  I am so glad I didn't act like a brat that Christmas morning.  That winter; my mom bought some Barbie doll patterns and started to teach me to sew.  I made the dress that is on Francie; the two dresses next to her are dresses we started but never finished.  They don't have their sleeves (sleeves are hard).  Mom made the coat.  I will never forget the hours we spent at her sewing machine just talking and laughing; you know after all this time; I still can't really sew!  Sorry mom!

So that is my story.  Remember as you rush through this busy Holiday that you are making memories for your children.  Don't worry if you don't have enough money to buy them the latest or best selling toy; they won't remember it anyway.  It is the time you spend with them; the warmth that surrounds them; the total love they feel when you look at them that matters the most at Christmas Time.

Hugs,

10 comments:

  1. You're right. Sweet story, warmed my heart, reminded of special Christmas times too. And wishing that my mom was still here too. Be blessed!

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  2. So sweet! I'm glad I stuck around to read it... what a wonderful memory :) Thanks for sharing!!!

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  3. Glad to hear you are feeling better today. What a sweet story and such fond memories of a beautiful woman that you loved dearly. You brought tears to my eyes.

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  4. What a beautiful story and wonderful memory of your mom!! I'm glad you are feeling better!! Have a great evening :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  5. I am glad to see you are feeling better. So happy you have memories of your mother and such good ones. This is really what matters in life. She would be so proud of you, she may have not created a sewer but a sweet person who is such an amazing crafter. Hugs my friend. luv ya

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  6. What a fun story and such a wonderful memory of your Mom! I am so sorry to hear you have been sick.
    I am just getting back on my feet after being sick for a while to! The flu put me down for almost a week...now just playing catch up and trying to get ready for Christmas. Ugh! Not enough time to get things done :( I just don't feel I have all my energy yet.

    I hope you are feeling better! Get a lot of rest~thinking of you!
    Sherrie K

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  7. Dearest Chriss, Oh what a lovely memory of your very lovely Mum, who brought up her equally lovely daughter (I'm sure your brothers and sisters are as lovely as you too). You're so very right when you say it's not tell gift itself that matters but look at how this gift has grown ....in all these special memories of love and warmth. Treasure, you've really made me stop and think ....I still have my Mum in my life so today I'll write a Christmas letter to her and it will be one of thanks for the special memories gave me as a child ... The times we spent together with her teaching me to sew when my sister was expected and giving me the love of books to name just two gifts that give me such pleasure today. Thank you for sharing your story....your Mum's loving, giving spirit lives on through you and continues to spread far and wide. Lots of love. Ingrid xxx ♥ ♥ ♥

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  8. Here I am with tears in my eyes - that is such a nice memory of your mom. I'll give my Mom an extra big hug when I see her next. It's fun to see the Francie doll now.

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  9. Chriss, I have a feeling a very sweet child turned into a very sweet lady!! Hugs to you for making your mom happy and having a happy childhood too.
    Francie......too cute! I really don't remember her - but then again, I never wanted to play with dolls.
    Great story!
    Lynn

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  10. I a happy to know that you are feeling better.
    What a wonderful story for you to share...I could not hold back the tears.
    I am home and fighting another cold. Bad cold.
    You turned out with such a wonderful heart!!
    Have a wonderful day my wonderful friend,
    Migdalia
    ♥ Crafting With Creative M ♥
    ♥ 2 Creative Chicks Challenge Blog ♥

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“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

― Fred Rogers