Saturday, November 13, 2010

There are some dates you never forget....

There are some dates you never forget, and for me November 13th is one of those. It was 5 years ago today that my mother died. Although I miss her everyday, some days bring back more memories and feelings than others...and today is one of those days.

The first photo was taken on Mother's and Daddy's 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. Daddy loved this photo of Mother. He has it on his dresser and also put it on the front of her funeral bulletin although the photo was 8 years old. I also have the photo on my dresser.
The next photo was taken the year before Mother's death at my daughter's wedding reception. The two "Carolyns" had a special relationship. I think the photographer caught the two of them sharing a special moment.How lucky my children were to have their grandparents at their weddings. I only wish that my mother could have seen her two great-grandsons. She so wanted to be a great-grandmother. I think it is particularly neat that both boys have family names from her father's side of the family. Haiden's middle name is Parker, and then of course, there is Garrett. Both of my mother's parents' families arrived in Accomack County, Virginia, in the 1600's.

Perhaps you may remember my adaptation of Little by Little's Ann Pennsylvania Peacock sampler. Since this was not a reproduction sampler, I decided to personalize it to honor my mother.
Over the past few months I've been doing some genealogy work, particularly on Mother's family. In some aspects it's easy because her family has been in Accomack County on the Eastern Shore for 400 years. It does get confusing at times because there are so many people with the same or similar names.

Some of you know of my strong feelings towards Virginia, and in particular towards Accomack County. I guess it comes as no surprise that I was enthralled by the Accomack County sampler of Elizabeth J M Mears that was reproduced by Barb of Queenstown Samplers. Not only is it an Accomack County sampler, it is a real beauty. I loved it so much that I chose it as a 2011 SAL project for my newsletter, With My Needle and Pen. Starting in January, Barb will lead the group with stitching Elizabeth's sampler. Barb will also be sharing lots of information. I can hardly wait!! True confession time--I didn't wait. Last week I started on Elizabeth's sampler. I'm not very far along, but I'm certainly enjoying the piece. Perhaps I'll show a photo of my progress in a few weeks.

I thought that today would be a good day to stitch on Elizabeth's sampler. I can honor both Elizabeth and my mother, two gals from Accomack County.

13 comments:

Nancy said...

Your Mother was a lovely lady Ellen, and I'm glad you have such fond memories of her.

I didn't know about this Accomack sampler. It's a gorgeous design!

Bertie said...

What a lovely tribute Ellen, your mother would have loved it. It's good to hear you have got such lovely memories.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

What a lovely post. Although your mum is not with you anymore, as is mine, there are memories that are just precious.
Enjoy the sampler, it will have wonderful moments for you.

Margaret said...

I know exactly what you mean about dates and your mom, Ellen. I always remember on the day my mother died as well. I love your Ann Pa Peacock. I need to get back to mine! I still haven't pulled out Elizabeth Mears yet -- sorry! I'm glad you're enjoying her so far. I have to kit mine up.

Lisa S said...

I can definitely relate to your feelings about your Mom today. I feel the same sometimes. Even though our Mom's are not here with us physically I know for sure they are here spiritually. I didn't start cross stitching until after my Mom was gone but I know she is smiling down on me when I am stitching. She was a stitcher and I had no interest at the time.
Love the tribute piece for your Mom and the new one your working on. Can't wait to see your progress.

Catherine said...

What beautiful pictures of your mother! Love the one of her with your daughter - precious!

And the sampler is such a wonderful tribute!

Jean said...

All those dates live in our hearts and minds, like you I never forget the day either of my parents passed or birthday's. Lovely tribute to your mom.

PegC said...

Ellen, what a lovely tribute to your mother, thank you for sharing it so movingly with us.

COUSON said...

A very lovely post & a delightfull sampler.Love.Couson

BSOTF said...

Ellen,
Your post is priceless, moving & go for the sampler cause it holds many priceless meanings for you. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

samplergal said...

Ellen, What lovely memories of your mom. Thanks for sharing.

Connie

Natalia said...

That is a wonderful way to remember your mom, Ellen. Mom's do have such a special place in our hearts, don't they? I look forward to your SAL.