Monday, November 1, 2010

November 1

I think some of this month is going to be about memories and traditions.

What made me think of this was a simple birthday card I came across last night. It was a simple birthday card, nothing grand or extravagant. It was in a simple blank envelope not addressed to anyone. And when I pulled it out of the envelope it hadn't been signed by anyone either. But I knew exactly who the card was from.

I know without a doubt that my Mummum gave me that card for my birthday.

My Mummum came through the depression and then was a single parent raising her daughter alone as my grandfather died young. So she believes in saving and reusing everything that she can. So in an effort to save money and be able to use a card again, she doesn't sign them. She just inserts the card in the envelope and hands it to the recipient. That way the receiver can then use the card again in the future.

There was a time when she would save wrapping paper as well. Let me tell you it was pure torture on a small child who wrapped a present for her. While we would all rip through our gifts, Mummum would open hers very slowly take great care to not tear the paper. She would then fold it up very neatly and set it aside to be put away and used again in the future.

Sometimes we would even use extra tape in an effort to make her rip the paper...lol

I can think of many more Mummum stories to tell, so I will save those for another day.

-S.

6 comments:

Lucky Wife/Bookaholic said...

Sweet memory. Sounds like my family... When my grandma was 41 her husband died leaving a 17 yr old boy, 13 yr old girl and 3 month old baby(my mom)

The Gaelic Wife said...

Great memories. My mother also saved and reused everything. I, too, used to tape the seams so she had to rip into it. :)

Shannon said...

How sweet is that? My parents used to go to the store on a holiday, find cards for each other, give them to each other to read, and then leave them in the store. Great way to save money :)

Turfdad said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Turfdad said...

You should share the story and pass the card on to one of the kids. Good luck on NaBloPoMo.

mumof3boyz said...

Turfdad - My kids know the story...lol Their cards aren't signed either. Sometimes we even give the cards back so she can use them for the next birthday :)