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.

SCN_0076

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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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?

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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 :-)

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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}}}

    ReplyDelete
  27. a lovely photo of a special lady x

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete