WEAR THE PEARLS

This past June for my birthday my mother gave me two very old quilts. They had been made by my great grandmother, one was my mother’s baby quilt worn from years of use, the other a family quilt.  My grandmother painstakingly made each tiny little stitch to make them perfect. I love family heirlooms because they come with wonderful stories that bring my heritage to life. These things can be past down from generation to generation. In the past I have received many heirlooms from my mother. They are all in excellent shape and lovely to look at. We have some treasures from my husband’s family as well that bring us joy just looking at them. They have their own unique stories that are different than those from my family. When guests visit our home we are often asked about some of the different things we have, this leads to sharing the stories from our past. I am often teased, that everything in our home has a story. I determined long ago that we would use the heirlooms we receive so we can pass on the stories and create new ones as well. What good are heirlooms if they aren’t used?
 
I recently wore a string of fresh water pearls that I have inherited to a Christmas party to complete my festive attire. It felt so wonderful to wear them knowing that they had been treasured when past down to me. I will past them down to one of our daughters in the years to come with just as much pride and love as when they were handed down to me. It would be a travesty to hide them in a drawer, never used or to never share the joy and love of the legacy that goes with them.  Unlike most things pearls just get more beautiful with wear. If I had never brought them out, worn them, or passed on their history what would become of the legacy that these pearls represent?
 
So often in our lives we acquire things that are valuable, we put them away to guard them from damage or theft then forget them. They are never brought out or used, their stories are lost, their value gone because now they have no history. They become just something that was put away with little value to anyone. Do you have things hidden away? Why? Instead try taking them out to start sharing them with your family. You might be surprised at the reception they receive.  For instance, take out that beautiful china you have packed away, set the table for dinner this evening; make it perfect, just like you are entertaining a dignitary. The china, stemware, silver, flowers, candles, even cloth napkins, make it special. When your family sits down to eat they will wonder why all the best is out for them. Now tell them this, “This is our best tableware; it is for special guests, why would I save it “only” for others when you are the most important people in my life.” Putting on the Ritz for your family can even make hotdogs taste like prime rib, well almost.

Preserving our past and heritage is important. Our children and grandchildren hopefully will appreciate hearing the stories while holding the things from their families past. This process is exciting as well as rewarding.  It can also be revealing in so many ways. You may learn more about your own family history while finding out what your children are interested in. They will enjoy discovering more about who they are and where they came from. The time will be well spent, I promise! What a LEGACY you are leaving. So don’t be afraid to wear the pearls, they only become more beautiful and lustrous with time and use. You’ll look good too!