Today is Mother's Day . . . when I was a child, everyone (including the children) wore a corsage or a bouttonniere to church on Mother's Day -- some were roses and some were carnations -- ours were always carnations. Red if your mother was living -- white if she had passed away. Mother, brother and I all wore red while Daddy wore white. It was, I think, a nice tradition.
When I was small and we lived in the big old house, we had a big dining room and a big dining room table. Whenever we ate in the dining room (as we always did on Sundays and often did during the week), a white damask or lace tablecloth would cover the table.
When we had company and the many leaves were put in, a special white tablecloth would cover the table.
It's a treasure of mine now. It's a silky fabric and mother would iron it she had laundered it and iron it again before putting on the table. There are lots of napkins (22 -- although I'm sure that originally there were 24) and some are stained from use -- but those stains are memories! The tablecloth is large -- but not large enough to seat 22 or 24!!! So I'm not sure why so many napkins!
And I use it -- sometimes -- when we have company and the table has all of it's leaves in!
There are memories in that tablecloth -- of family dinners, of holiday dinners, of company dinners.
Hopefully, I too, am adding to the memories in that tablecloth!
As there are days to honor father's and mothers, there should be days to honor daughters. Daughters are special -- Sarah certainly is.
My mother's day present from my very special (and thoughtful) daughter?
Three yellow knockout roses for the garden. Named "Sunny" -- and they certainly are. I planted two where I can see them from my desk in the living room when they bloom.
It was such a thoughtful gift and one that will last "forever" -- giving me joy (and flowers for the house) for years and years to come.
If the tradition of mother's day corsages had continued, both husband Jim and I would be wearing white today.
7 comments:
Lovely and loving post. Happy Mothers Day. I would be wearing white also. Hugs, Marty
I love the story about the corsages. My cousins and I were discussing yesterday our dread of Mother's Day. They said they can not bare to go to church because how they celebrate Mom's. The corsage idea would honor both those here and those we are thinking of on this day. I'll have a white one too....
Really a lovely post, Martha. I have fond memories of the tablecloths coming out at the holidays as well. Beautiful gift from your daughter. Today I would be wearing a white corsage as well. xxoo Nancy
Oh my gosh, Martha, I had forgotten that tradition! thank you for that, it was lovely.
I love the gift from your daughter for as they say, it's the gift that keeps on giving!
Lovely post, Martha. "I Remember Mama" sending me down to the lily pond before church to pick purple irises for us to wear and a white one for her to wear. They weren't real corsages and I suppose we just pinned them on our church clothes. Mine would be white this year too. I know we're all so grateful for our wonderful mothers!!!
Francie
Martha,
Precious memories for Mother's day. You are always so thoughtful to share family traditions with us! Your 'knock out' yellow roses are gorgeous. I know each time you see them you will think of the love you have for Sarah and all the joy she has brought you through the years. I, too, recieved a 'knock out' rose bush from son and daughter~in~law today...mine is pink! We, both, are truly blessed!
Fondly,
Pat
My childhood church used to have corsages too, and on Sunday, in church, I found myself thinking how I wish we still had that lovely tradition. What a lovely way to remember and honor our mothers. So glad you had a nice Mother's Day!
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