As some of you know I am part of the Bead Soup Cafe Facebook group and last year when a loved member of the group passed away, a Memories and Thanks Blog Hop was announced and is being hosted by Lori Anderson at Pretty Things.
I wanted to take part and honour my mom who passed away very suddenly in January of 2004, this week marks 9 years without her.
My dad died when I was 16 so my mother became a single mom of 2 teenagers overnight.
Along with losing her own parents the year before,she had to learn to drive, get a job and take care of us on her own. She raised us well and she saw us grow up, get married and move very far away..
She was and still is my hero.
I had an amazing charm bracelet that my hubby gave me and added to over the years, the one stipulation was that each charm meant something to both of us. Unfortunately the same year that I lost my mom, we had a burglary and all my jewelry was stolen. I never did replace my bracelet, so what better way to honour my mom than a charm bracelet.
I had a few mismatched earrings left from the burglary that have been sitting in my jewelry box and I knew they would be great on a bracelet. And I filled the spaces with beads of her favourite colours.
I'm so happy with how it turned out and I can add a few more charms or beads as I come across ones that remind me of her.
A few months after I lost my mom, one of her friend's sent me this poem and it has always meant a lot to me.
Its perfect....
THE TIDE
The tide recedes, but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on
in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes,
something beautiful remains.
--Author Unknown
Take care everyone,
xxx
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What a beautiful tribute to your mom. The bracelet is stunning and it must be nice to have something that is connected with her belongings and with your memories of her.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Al. I'm glad the thieves left me a few items of hers to remember her by xxx
DeleteNat that is absolutely beautiful, your Mum would be so proud to have such a beautiful piece made in her honor by her very beautiful and talented daughter xxxooo
ReplyDeleteAw thank you so much hunni xxx
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mom. The bracelet is beautiful too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Diane xx
DeleteLovely tribute to your Mom. Enjoy wearing the charm bracelet.
ReplyDeleteI think that your bracelet is beautiful Natalie, even more precious because you made it with your mother’s pieces that you would never have been able to buy in a shop. I’m so glad you shared this with us. Hugs to you as you remember your mum.
ReplyDeleteMegan xxx
So, so pretty. The burglary is horrible, but it is nice that you still had some remnant pieces to make this charm bracelet. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh Nat...I'm so teary. I know how much you miss your mom and this is such a touching way to remember her. Both the bracelet and the remembrance hop. I'm sure your mom is proud of you still! And that poem.....so great! (you should do a sign.) Great project and a really great post Nat!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely idea :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to honor your mom...the charm bracelet is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tribute piece. It's wonderful that you can put pieces that were your Mom's one a new charm bracelet to honor her. Thanx for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post and a beautiful bracelet Natalie! This must have been difficult for you, the making and the posting. I love it all, I hope you enjoy wearing your bracelet, keeping her close to you.
ReplyDeletexoxox
Leanne
I was really touch while reading your post, Natalie. What a wonderful tribute to your sweet mother. The bracelet is such a beautiful reminder of her, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your mom. I just love how you incorporated pieces of her jewelry into the bracelet. That makes it all the more special.
ReplyDeletewow, your mom is my hero too, that's no easy feat. I'm very impressed what you were able to pull together from what was left (poor you!). So nice that you had the chance to revive the idea of the charm bracelet too
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and such a wonderful tribute piece filled with your mom's jewelry. Sorry you lost the bracelet from you husband, but sure this one means as much to you.
ReplyDeleteYour mom was a strong lady, loosing her husband and parents in such a short order and taking care of two teenagers alone. The bracelet to perpetuate her memory is charming!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story with us!
So beautiful Natalie! I hope you wear it and it brings back all the wonderful memories you have of her. She sounds like she was an amazing person! Really gorgeous tribute!
ReplyDeleteI love charm bracelets so much, and this one is very, very special. Thank you so much for showing us what each charm represents...it's really a beautiful piece.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bracelet and what a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea that this is a work-in-progress tribute. That you can add more to it as you come across it and each piece has a special meaning. Thank you for sharing your story and your creation. Enjoy the day! Erin
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness this is so perfect! A beautiful bracelet rich with memories and meaning. Love the color palate too! Thanks for sharing your story with us about your mom.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Terri G.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. Your charm bracelet is the perfect piece to honor your mom!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most beautiful post and tribute, Natalie. I love the poem, the bracelet, the photos....two beautiful women, insode and out. You were blessed to have such a wonderful mom. Sending love and hugs. xxooxxoo
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your mom - you represented a strong and kind lady well. The colours are so peaceful and calm.
ReplyDeleteA lovely bracelet that tells a wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteYour charm bracelet is beautiful. What a lovely tribute to your mom.
ReplyDeleteYour charm bracelet is beautiful and so memorable. I love this idea - I'll have to do this for my sisters since I ended up with my Moms jewelry - thank you!!
ReplyDelete