I’m so glad that this touched you. I hope to write more about the ways in which we can acknowledge and celebrate the gifts we may not always recognize until late in life. I feel blessed to have treasured family objects, some very mundane, that speak to me in some way.
Such a poignant and beautiful story, Mary. It makes me think about the hidden, chipped pain wrapped up with your mother's and grandmother's treasured, but hidden-away plate, and that it was passed on to you. Perhaps your mother sensed that only you would have the courage and sensitivity to unwrap it and bring it into the open, with all its complicated associations, as a gift for your readers.
Is there a treasure I have hidden away because it’s too beautiful for my life? Your essay plants this question in my mind. The photos complement it beautifully. The flowers on the plate look three-dimensional. And your grandmother--hard to believe she was only 18.
Thank you, Rona. It is a beautiful plate. I hope to write more about the things in our lives that we treasure, especially those that are handed down through the generations of women in our families. Yes: my grandmother was a formidable woman, probably right from the cradle. I know her “only” through pictures and stories, but she is very real to me.
Margaret, I think we all do. I’m still learning to give myself permission to put on my best clothes. I’m getting better at it. I’ll wake up and think, No, not that sweatshirt again! Then I’ll pull out the bright red cashmere sweater that feels so soft and makes me happy. I’ve also been telling myself, “Life is short. Use the good dishes.” It’s a great feeling.
Oh, Monica, thank you. I'm so glad it connected. I think it's important to celebrate all of the loving memories we have of someone. It's a way of nurturing ourselves.
This spoke to me on a deep and profound level! I'm a pleaser, my greatest joy is to serve others and see them happy, often it is at my own expense, often I'm taken for granted, I put others first and myself last, I'm forever neglecting my own wants so that others will have more. So yes I am guilty of exactly the thing you said in this post.
Thank you. At least I know I'm not alone and there are others who also hide the best parts of themselves.🧡
Thank you, Inner Voices! I love that you are speaking, through your Substack name, from the best in yourself. Keep that voice alive. It will get stronger. You are not alone.❤️
Thank you, Kay. It’s such a sad thing, thus denial of the gold within us. Terrible that it gets passed on from parent to child. A source of much grief and heartache. I’m glad you are working to change this.
I’m so glad that this touched you. I hope to write more about the ways in which we can acknowledge and celebrate the gifts we may not always recognize until late in life. I feel blessed to have treasured family objects, some very mundane, that speak to me in some way.
Such a poignant and beautiful story, Mary. It makes me think about the hidden, chipped pain wrapped up with your mother's and grandmother's treasured, but hidden-away plate, and that it was passed on to you. Perhaps your mother sensed that only you would have the courage and sensitivity to unwrap it and bring it into the open, with all its complicated associations, as a gift for your readers.
Ann, what a lovely thing to say. Your words mean the world to me. I’m so deeply honored.❤️
This is such a beautifully written essay. I was very moved by it.
Thank you, Liz! I’m honored and grateful for your kind remarks.❤️
You're welcome, Mary. It's a wonderful essay!
Is there a treasure I have hidden away because it’s too beautiful for my life? Your essay plants this question in my mind. The photos complement it beautifully. The flowers on the plate look three-dimensional. And your grandmother--hard to believe she was only 18.
Thank you, Rona. It is a beautiful plate. I hope to write more about the things in our lives that we treasure, especially those that are handed down through the generations of women in our families. Yes: my grandmother was a formidable woman, probably right from the cradle. I know her “only” through pictures and stories, but she is very real to me.
That's a series I'll follow with anticipation.
It’s in the works. Thank you, Rona!
Love this!
Thank you, Nancy! ❤️
💙
Wonderful. “Too Good To Wear” is heartbreaking. But I often catch myself thinking or feeling that as well.
Margaret, I think we all do. I’m still learning to give myself permission to put on my best clothes. I’m getting better at it. I’ll wake up and think, No, not that sweatshirt again! Then I’ll pull out the bright red cashmere sweater that feels so soft and makes me happy. I’ve also been telling myself, “Life is short. Use the good dishes.” It’s a great feeling.
Mary, this was beautifully written. I have tears in my eyes as it brought back so many memories of my own mother. Thank you.
Oh, Monica, thank you. I'm so glad it connected. I think it's important to celebrate all of the loving memories we have of someone. It's a way of nurturing ourselves.
This spoke to me on a deep and profound level! I'm a pleaser, my greatest joy is to serve others and see them happy, often it is at my own expense, often I'm taken for granted, I put others first and myself last, I'm forever neglecting my own wants so that others will have more. So yes I am guilty of exactly the thing you said in this post.
Thank you. At least I know I'm not alone and there are others who also hide the best parts of themselves.🧡
Thank you, Inner Voices! I love that you are speaking, through your Substack name, from the best in yourself. Keep that voice alive. It will get stronger. You are not alone.❤️
Wow Mary, this is so moving, thank you!
Kristen, thank you. I'm so glad to connect with you.❤️
Likewise! 💚
A very moving and beautifully crafted piece of writing. Mary, I enjoyed it immensely.
I’m so pleased and honored that you enjoyed this.❤️
This is so very beautiful.
Thank you, Jenni, for your kind words I’m honored that you felt moves by this m.
Arggh! Trying to edit out the errors. Shouldn’t write anything before I have my coffee. Thank you again for your kindness.❤️
So beautiful and so sad. I wish your mother would have hung that plate on the wall and dared the cousins to take it. I’m glad you treasure it.
Thank you, Sally. I wish she had, too. I never put it away now. And when I serve cookies, I serve them on this plate.
Exquisite.
"I wish I could have convinced her she was worthy of her gifts.
I wish I could have convinced myself that I was worthy of mine."
Thank you, Kay. It’s such a sad thing, thus denial of the gold within us. Terrible that it gets passed on from parent to child. A source of much grief and heartache. I’m glad you are working to change this.
“Too good to wear” - your mother gifted you a great line.
Thank you, Bill.
Heart touching. Just mesmerized by your words. Great job!
I’m pleased that you enjoyed this, Tha! Thanks for your kind comments.❤️