|
THE GREATEST TREASURE By, Kathleene S. Baker The beveled glass box atop my dresser dances with color when
morning sunlight streams through the window.
The multitude of color prompts me to pause; it’s become a special time
each day when I reflect on memories of my mother. I remember well the Mother’s Day it was given to her because the
prior month had been my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. After a reception in their hometown, the
following month we kids sent them to Jamaica to continue their
celebration. They returned from the trip
on Mother’s Day weekend. Mom gasped! She took a fancy
to the glass jewelry box from the moment she opened the package. All sides were beveled, the top finely etched
with flowers and hummingbirds; or as she always referred to her favorite
feathered friends, “hummers.” It wasn’t large; actually it was just the right
size for dropping earrings and a necklace into at the end of the day, or for
holding pieces worn most often. Many years passed that I didn’t really view it up close, but on the
occasions I entered my folk’s bedroom it always caught my eye resting upon the
dresser. The glass box is more than a beautiful, cherished accessory that
holds a variety of Mom’s favorite jewelry items; the essence of who she was is tucked
inside. Hence, the contents will remain as they are; my gemstones will not be
intermingled. Mom’s strands of cultured pearls trigger memories of the many
pearls of wisdom she shared with me. Her few diamonds bring to mind her stance as regards judging
others. No matter their social status or
background each person is unique; many are a diamond in the rough just waiting
for their time to shine. The gold items hark back to Mother’s certainty that silence is
golden, one should be open-minded and listen to the opinions of others, whether
you agreed or not. A difference in
beliefs was no cause for discord but probably indicated the subject of
conversation should be changed. The silver items prompt me to maintain a positive attitude; Mother chose
to believe that most dark clouds were lined with silver. After Mom’s death, while sorting earrings, necklaces and such I
discovered several retro pieces I’d not seen before. They were passé by the time I was of the age
to admire baubles and beads, but she had stunning brooch and earrings
sets. The pieces that I chose to keep,
while selecting meaningful items for each granddaughter create a myriad of hues
that transform the beveled glass box into a device with the ability to create
and capture rainbows. When morning sun strikes the authentic and artificial display of
stones, gold, and silver…a mighty shimmer is unleashed; I feel certain I’m
being reminded to reflect on and live by the pearls of wisdom Mom felt most
important. Mother was one of
eleven siblings raised by parents who spent their lives struggling as tenant
farmers. Add to that the Great Depression, and she truly understood the
fundamental priorities necessary for a fulfilling life; costly jewelry was not one
of those! I’ve done my best to live by her teachings…and pray she left this world satisfied that I did grasp and appreciate her life lessons. Remembering... Lovey Arlene Boucher on Mother’s Day
©2010rev. Kathleene S. Baker Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor
|
