Thursday, July 8, 2010

No Finer Celebration

Most of you know that I celebrated my birthday about two weeks ago.
This year I celebrated with my mom.

I had taken her to her eye doctor's appointment, complete with dilatation,
so felt best that I prepare a dinner for us in her apartment.
In early June, she had given me a small gift of cash...
she reminded me that she can no longer shop,
 and wanted to give us something for our anniversary and my birthday.

I had cashed the check and was carrying the money around in my purse...
not sure if I should apply it to something practical or get something a bit special, that would be just from her.
So after our little birthday dinner, she gave me a card.
Inside was this scrappy piece of paper...

You see, the folks that grew up during the depression saved everything.
My mom even saved junk mail if it was printed on only one side.
But when I turned the paper over, there was typing...
I immediately recognized the font.

She must have typed it years ago, on her first typewriter.
The same typewriter that she used to type the local news column every Monday.
The same typewriter that I used to type research papers in high school.
The beautiful in life...
some talk of it in poetry,
some grow it from the soil,
some build it in a steeple,
some show it through their toil...

Some breathe it into music,
some mold it into art,
some shape it into bread loaves,
some hold it in their heart.

For all you are, for all you do,
May everything beautiful in life come to you.

Happy Birthday



I won't be needing another gift...
this one was perfect.

Take care,
~Natalie

27 comments:

jodi said...

Oh Natalie, Your mom makes me cry. What a beautiful gift.

sweetiepie said...

Your mother is so thoughtful. What a lovely poem. I think says it all.

Take care!

Suzanne said...

I'm all teary. That was so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

marie said...

That WAS perfect! Perfectly beautiful!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Natalie..*tear tear* this is such a precious gift...your Mom is just so wonderful. I see where you get it from.
hugs to you,
Suz

Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe said...

Natalie! That was beautiful!!
Kim

Kathy said...

That gave me goose bumps! How beautiful.

Pat said...

A Perfect Gift...Just Beautiful

Lori said...

wow. you're right. perfect. my eyes are watering.

Unknown said...

What a perfect gift from your mom!

Cathryn said...

Gifts from the heart are best and you're right--It was absolutely perfect. I have tears from that beautiful and heartfelt treasure. I'd frame that and have it in a special place.

pam said...

Oh that was wonderful!

Kim said...

Hi Natalie. I am a newcomer to your blog and just happened to read this post telling the story of this precious gift from your mother. Seems that she see's all that you are and she loves and values you so very much. Thank you for sharing this with us, I truly enjoyed the poem. A belated happy birthday to you.

a little black cloud in a dress said...

I love this post. What sweet, sweet words.

Renna said...

That was beautiful, Natalie. It's funny how, when we wait, good things do come to us. :-)

Christine Burgess said...

This is such a beautiful story about you and your mother. What a lovely surprise for you and something you will treasure forever.
God Bless.
Chris

Maggie said...

This is the most beautiful birthday gift you could receive! I loved the story about your mom. My mom was born right at the start of the depression, so I don't think she quite picked up the habit of saving everything like so many people did. But she is a "poet" and composed verses for all important occasions! She's 80 now and I haven't seen a new poem in a while, but I'm sure (I hope) she has some left to write!

Thanks for visiting and following my blog (On the House). I love your blog and am a follower now!

Attic Clutter said...

Natalie
Oh I love it- what a fun thing to have(:) I remember typing on that same one -Royal..my dad used it alot (:) I am old ~!!LOL
hugs,Patty

Esme said...

What a lovely gift and happy birthday.

Anonymous said...

That is indeed the best gift ever!

Unknown said...

Dear Natalie, By chance I scrolled back to see if anyone was still visiting my craft room, and there you were at the very bottom. What a lovely surprise for me to discover your blog and particularly this post. My blog is filled with such stories as this as they are my very favorite. This was a beautifully written and tender tribute to your mother. I look forward to reading more of your posts and coming to know you through them. Thank you again for stopping by! Elizabeth

Shell said...

That is priceless Natalie! What a wonderful gift!

I found my mom's old typewriter while getting ready for the WBC event..it's now sitting in my studio. My mom was both a typing teacher and writer. It's not a fancy one,,but so special to me to think of the words that spread across the pages.

Shoot,,,,that's two "Mom" posts today, miss her everyday! Give your mom an extra hug for me next time you see her! Don't have to say it's from me, of course, that would just be weird..

Have a great day, thanks for this lovely gift to us too!

Hugs,
Shell---where are the tissues?

Karin said...

How wonderful!!! Perfect!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Oh Natalie,
This is so beautiful!!!
Like the BEST gift/keepsake ever!
(tears)
I'm so happy to read that your Mom is safe and sound and healthy in her "new" home. I must agree that it was difficult but it was the right thing to do. We have to believe that :)

Firecracker Kid said...

Aww, that is so special and you will cherish it for the rest of your life. Your mom is alright now:) I love her!

jdavissquared said...

this is so sweet. love it.

Leaon Mary said...

HOW PRECIOUS!
Happy Belated birthday Natalie!

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