Mama's Christmas Pins

Mama went to be with the Lord in February of 2013, just days before her 92nd birthday. Daddy had gone to Heaven on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1998.

After Daddy passed, things needed organizing. From paying bills, filling out forms, everyday grocery shopping and more, there were lists to be checked off. Mama, my two sisters(Glenda and Carol) and I organized the house preparing for a life without Daddy.

When Mama passed, she lived in assisted living and the organizing and coordinating task was smaller due to her not having so many things in her room. My sisters and I gathered together in Mama’s room. We cleaned, dusted and held each of Mama’s possessions with love and care.

Every item had a special memory. A birdhouse Mama created during craft time. Framed photographs of family. Books that had been given to her, as she loved to read. Quilts and special blankets made by special friends. So many beautiful items. So many precious memories.

As Glenda and Carol and I chose items to place in our own homes, tears fell from our eyes. Mama had touched these precious things with her own hands. A connection of love from one generation to the next. We could feel the love in the room.

Of the various things I chose to carry home, a small cardboard box containing a few Christmas pins caught my eye. Throughout the years, my husband and I had given Mama homemade Christmas pins. We had gathered the unique creations from various places. A teacher who was talented at making pins was one place where the pins came from. A few were purchased at a local store. Mama wore a couple of the pins. Others stayed in the little box.

Opening the box, the memory of Mama wearing the pins brought joy. A simple act of wearing a Christmas pin to complete her outfit. She always wanted her hair fixed, her nails polished and her clothes fresh and clean.

I have kept that box of Christmas pins and every year, I bring them out and wear one each day. A reindeer, a Christmas tree, an angel. Beautiful reminders of our precious Mama.

Do you wear Christmas pins? There are pins for women and men.

Merry Christmas,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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