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:

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

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

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  3. 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

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  4. 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

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

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  6. 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

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

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

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

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  10. 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.

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

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

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

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

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  15. 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?

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

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

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

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

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  20. 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.

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  21. 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 :-)

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

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  23. 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.

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

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  25. 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

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  26. 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}}}

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  27. a lovely photo of a special lady x

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  28. 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.

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