Sunday 6 January 2013

Storytelling Sunday 3: Pick Your Precious

It’s the first Sunday of the month, which can only mean one thing. We will all gather eagerly at Sian’s place with a story, a memory or a photo to share. This year to ring the changes Sian has suggested a new twist on the theme. Finding something that is precious to you and sharing its story. It was easy to choose this month.

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This is one of the very few photos we have in the family of my lovely Aunty, who passed away peacefully in her sleep (and in her own bed) a few weeks ago. It was taken when she was eighteen and my Dad was just a toddler. Wasn’t she beautiful?

Lots of things pop into my head when I look at her smiling eyes. Time spent staying at her cottage, during the Summer holidays, when I was a little girl. Trips to see the pantomime at Christmas time and Holiday on Ice, travelling by Leather’s coaches. Playing Newmarket on a Sunday afternoon and betting with pennies from the big jar.

When I was older and had left home, for college in Devon, she would send me a parcel each term, which would always include a tin of pink salmon and some of her famous rock cakes. I was the envy of my halls of residence when it arrived and it was so special to receive a little taste of home and family.

At her funeral on Friday, the vicar quoted James Peterson, “Tears are the jewels of remembrance – sad, but glistening with the beauty of the past.”

Sleep tight Aunty Kath.

29 comments:

Lisa-Jane said...

What a wonderful quote and some lovely memories with a stunning photo.

Lythan said...

that is a beautiful quote. And what lovely memories. You have my sympathies over the loss of your aunt

Jaki Morris said...

Awww, filling up here.

We played Newmarket last week with my Mum and my boys. Always makes me think of my Nan and Granddad. Love that quote too, it would make a lovely sentiment stamp

Jakixx

Sabrina DS said...

Vintage photos are priceless. She was very thoughtful to send you regular packages. May she rest in peace now. Happy 2013. Cheers from Bordeaux, France

scrappyjacky said...

That is a wonderful quote....a new one to me.A beautiful old photo...and wonderful memories.

JO SOWERBY said...

That is a wonderful photo and a lovely memory. I love old family photographs but sadly many of the faces are forever unknown now as both sets of grandparents died before I could ask them who people were,
Jo xxx

Lou said...

such wonderful memories to have of your aunt. great photo.

Unknown said...

Such lovely memories you have of your Aunt and really beautiful photo.

Jen said...

What a beautiful lady - and such a lovely quote. One that has really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing. J xx

Sian said...

Yes, she was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your picture and memories today: it always feels like a privilege to read a story like this Fiona. It's certainly precious.

Becky said...

A lovely quote and a lovely photo - ankhs for sharing your story xx

Jo said...

That is a wonderful story and great memories Fi, you really look like your aunt x

alexa said...

What a lovely way to honour your Aunty Kath. She was indeed beautiful, inside and out ... A lovely tribute to a life well-lived.

Alison said...

What a wonderful quote....and how lovely that you have such good memories of a very special aunt!
Alison xx

Missus Wookie said...

Oh what a lovely quote - thank you for sharing that, the photo and the memories. A life well lived and well loved - such a blessing, what more could you want?

Elizabeth said...

The quote and photo are lovely remembrances of your dear aunt.

Lynn said...

Beautiful memories for a beautiful lady! What a fitting tribute to your Aunt.

Beverly said...

She was beautiful and obviously very special. I do wonder what rock cakes are. Thanks for introducing me to this quote, it is lovely.

Carin McDonough said...

So sorry for your loss Fi. She was really beautiful and how wonderful that you have such lovely memories of her! :)

Irene said...

Such a touching tribute to your Aunt and a very precious photograph. And, a wonderful quote from the Vicar. How very thoughtful. Sending my sympathy for your loss.

Unknown said...

That is a beautiful quote. Your Aunt sounds like she was a very special person. I have never heard of Newmarket so I am completely in the dark with that one :-)

Sheena said...

What a beautiful story about a beautiful lady.
Many thanks for sharing x

Miriam said...

What a wonderful post, yes she was beautiful, her face and her being from what you have written. The quote is very lovely too. My sympathies are with you.

KraftyKaren said...

Beautiful quote for a beautiful lady. Hope you will do a layout using that photograph to preserve your memories of her xx

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a beautiful tribute.
Rinda

Lisa said...

Such an elegant lady and such a lovely thing for the vicar to say too!

lots of love and sending love your way

Lisa & Mr W
xx

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Oh what a lovely tribute to your dear aunt. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I was happy to read that you had such lovely memories of her. And what a blessing that she passed peacefully while sleeping in her own bed. We should all be so fortunate. {{{hugs}}}

Jane said...

a lovely photo of a special lady x

Susanne said...

How nice that you have such lovely memories of your aunt. She looks like she wants to say something in that photo - it's very evocative as a result.