Through a dear friend of my son, I met a very spry 92-year-old lady, and I often found myself laughing and marveling at her. She was so fit, and I believe that's a blessing. And she has a life full of memories.
Incredible, because she even knew the date for most of the events.
Clearly detailed memories of the war years, the family's history, and when they acquired which sewing tools .
And she was proud.
About the fact that her mother had sued the Nazi regime for compensation.
And they won. A small victory.
She not only has a lot to tell, but also many nostalgic objects that would be far too precious to throw away.
And it's about just a few of them.
She used to be a secretary. But I'm 100% sure she would have become a devoted seamstress.
She sewed practically everything and had a broad range of skills. Technical terms were no problem for her. But with all due respect, she is 92 years old and has been sewing her whole life. Back then, terms like smocking, darts, and Dederon were commonplace .
As we were led through the house, we stopped in front of a wonderful Altenburg zigzag sewing machine, and I had to admit that although it is really beautiful and the built-in table is practical, I don't need another one from 1963 with my countless great machines.
Which is a real shame, because if we can't find anyone who wants the machine, it will probably end up in the trash.
But then I rummaged through other treasures. Buttons, feathers, Peter Pan collars , and everything packed with such devotion that it fills one with awe. I now also treasure and carefully preserve old magazines from 1923.
In short, I was traveling as a time traveler and made a lucky find.
There is her mother's old little wooden box from 1904, which I will now preserve along with its contents through the ages. Inside, neatly arranged, are lace collars and bows from bygone eras. For children and ladies.
Hat accessories, ribbons, trims & embroidered miscellaneous items were in the box and I started carefully packing the little treasures into bags to keep things somewhat organized.
Of course, I won't be able to use much of it anymore, but inspiration is a precious commodity and so I am very happy about these treasures.
Anyone who knows me knows that I collect old spools of thread, and these wonderful old ladies have now found their way into my sewing cupboard.
In addition to all the small items, a lot of beautiful old fabric was also added, which is already hanging on the clothesline and will later be mangled to be sewn into a # feinsüß blouse.
The lady packs the items herself. Each piece passes through her hands, and many memories are attached to it.
I look at a living room table covered in dishes. All of that can go.
It's terrible, because there are people who have very little.
I realize how grateful I can be.
My eyes flutter when they see small glass pendants.
I pick it up and I'm as happy as a little girl. What a treasure.
THIS IS MY TREASURE!
A real highlight, because these little tags were hung on glasses at cocktail parties in the 1950s to prevent mix-ups. Funnily enough, I even own a modern version of them – but this one:
They are the true TREASURE.
So I take them home with me, and my daughter discovers something amazing.
It is fantastic and has disappeared.
My sweetheart has a swallow as her most beautiful pendant.
Speechless. I guess it had to be this way.
I am now carefully putting away my treasures; the new coffee pot goes into my sideboard and the fabrics into the matching retro box.
I'll certainly look at the straps and accessories often, and the first thing I'll do is find a respectable place for the old box. The cigar box from 1904.
As you can see, I've once again stumbled upon a lucky find and I'm absolutely thrilled about such treasures. Time travel is the most wonderful thing for me.
And what I learned from this far too short interlude is that sometimes you just have to do it. Close your eyes, switch off your brain, and go. The old lady expressed it much more subtly, but that's basically the essence.
Moving into a nursing home is unpleasant, but necessary. Parting with cherished possessions is very difficult, but it's easier knowing they're in good hands .
:easier.
And I answered when I said goodbye.
And now, a fresh start. Life. No more worries, let yourself be waited on & be happy.
I'm curious to see what she's up to and will visit her soon in her new place. I'll bring a newly sewn blouse, some flowers, the borrowed shopping trolley, Emy , and a small baked cake.
Because she likes cake.
And I like him too.
<3
3 comments
Ach wie schön, auch ich habe viele alte Sachen, zum Teil sogar vor dem Sperrmüll gerettet und seit Juni 23 hab ich hier in der Gemeinde eine kleine Handarbeitsgruppe, damit diese schönen Dinge nicht verloren gehen. Sicherlich lebt die alte Dame schon nichtmehr, aber die Erinnerungen an sie bleiben. Liebe Grüße Nähoma
Welch wunderbare Schätze, die du jetzt durch die Zeit rettest. Ich liebe solch alte Dinge auch sehr. Und ich frage mich bei meinen Herzensdingen oft, ob sich jemand finden wird, der sie ebenso wertschätzen wird.
Was für ein wundervolles Erlebnis. Ich liebe diese Schätze auch! Die Nähmaschine, mit den kleinen gefüllten Schubladen und den sorgsam und ordentlich sortierten Nähkorb meiner Oma werde ich nie benutzen, aber immer erfürchtig betrachten. Ich liebe alles, was Geschichte und Geschichten atmet und irgendwie habe ich oft Sehnsucht danach, in die Vergangenheit zu reisen und die Geschichten und Schicksale mitzubringen. Hach, schön, dass Du das Glück hattest, das mit dieser besonderen Dame zu tun.