Texture by Kim Klassen: 0603 30% hard light
No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you.
After all, you are the only one who knows what my heart sounds like on the inside.
~Unknown
At The Investigator’s baby sprinkle, my mom surprised me with what I assume could be considered a family heirloom. A bonnet my godmother gave me when I was a baby. I had no idea she had this and, obviously, don’t remember it.
But she kept it, treasured up, all these 50+ years. She unearthed unpacked and soaked the decades of storage out of it before giving it to me. She apologized for not finding it in time for Peanut to wear when she was a baby.
Now, Twix will wear it…although not for every day. Oh no, no, no, no…..because of its fragile condition, it will only be worn for special occasions. Ones where vintage heirlooms are appropriately appreciated.
It’s funny what mothers choose to keep to remember their baby’s babyhood, isn’t it? A lock of hair. A hospital coming home outfit. The first lost tooth. These things are important to mothers. They connect this tiny, little person to the time when their bodies were inseparable in the womb. And I’m going out on a limb and say that unless you’ve carried a child inside your body, you really have no idea the depth of love that can develop for that little life. It’s forever a part of you, regardless of physical location….or age! Not to discount a father’s love, but I’m sorry….it’s just not on the same magnitude level.
Keepsakes. We have high hopes of passing these treasures down to our children’s children…to impress upon them the ties that bind. To keep them connected to their past while they face their futures.
The bonnet by itself means nothing. It’s old material, lace and ribbon. Only when the memory of where it came from is revealed does it take on a special beauty all it’s own. It becomes alive with meaning and importance…for both the giver and the reason behind its existance.
Linking up with Texture Tuesday, Texture Twist and Life Through the Lens
Peripheral Perceptions 
Just lovely, Lisa: both the bonnet and the sentiment. When my daughter was born, my mom brought me a box of hats and dresses from my babyhood and her own. I treasure the idea that my daughter will be able to pass them down to her own children someday.
How wonderful it must be to see Twix donning your family heirloom! xo
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Thank you Kristen. I have to say, it does tug at my heart. xo
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So beautiful!
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The composition of this shot is beautiful.
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That’s so lovely, so precious, and a real family heirloom!
I kept a lot of things from my three babies too, not sure where they are now though 😦
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Oh, what a lovely post, Lisa!
“And I’m going out on a limb and say that unless you’ve carried a child inside your body, you really have no idea the depth of love that can develop for that little life. It’s forever a part of you, regardless of physical location.…or age! Not to discount a father’s love, but I’m sorry.…it’s just not on the same magnitude level.”
And you know, not even a parent myself, I have to agree with you about that. To me, it seems that the connection a mother has with a child goes way deeper than any other connection. And it’s not because of the physical connection of carrying a child, but I think more so on a ‘spiritual’ level.
Beautiful bonnet! And you can see the craftsmanship of 50 years ago because they don’t make things like that nowadays.
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This is a lovely story. I love traditions and family keepsakes. I didn’t grow up with many of either, but I have all my children’s special outfits packed away for them one day.
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What a precious post, and you’ve described it perfectly. What a wonderful gift.
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My kids think I’m crazy for some of the things I’ve kept of their childhoods. However, when they have children of their own I think they’ll understand.
I agree that alone an object is an object but with memory behind it a beautiful new sentiment attaches itself.
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Such a wonderful treasure, just wonderful. Such beautiful condition also, good for your mom. such a wonderful edit. Love this.
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Beautiful image and texture! Great thoughts on motherhood too!
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What a beautiful bonnet and such a precious heirloom. I totally concur with your thoughts about heirlooms and why they are so meaningful.
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Such a lovely post, and a beautiful image. My mother saved one of my baby dresses and give it to me when my daughter was born (I’ve saved it and one of my daughters baby dresses should she have a little girl 🙂
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This is so lovely, Lisa!
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This is just too sweet Lisa! I love all heirloom clothing, especially baby things. I’m so happy your mom shared this special bonnet for your new little love. So sweet!
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Wonderful. Memories.
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So true Lisa, and I love your story and the bonnet. One gift I gave my son this year when he turned 43 on his birthday card was the story of events that happened the day before and when he was born. I just did it thinking of something to put on his card, but he called me from CA (I live in Ohio), and told me how wonderful and it was one of the best gifts ever. Made my heart glad because of all the tangible gifts I’ve given, I guess I never realized the impact him knowing how things were before and after he entered our world. I’ve always planned to leave each my children a story of events and what they meant to me to be given after I’m gone, and now it’s nice to know it may be appreciated and helpful.
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What a beautiful keepsake!
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Lovely photo of this precious heirloom.
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How nice to have this to pass down Lisa… xo
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Great post… so sweet and the words about motherhood, oh yes!I’m so glad you are linking up with Life Through the Lens.
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