On this day in 1971 my mom married my stepfather. It was a beautiful candlelight ceremony, held in the little chapel of our church. I was, at 6 years old, the cutest flower girl ever, but I insisted that everyone call me a bridesmaid. The reception, for family and very close friends only, was at our house afterward.
When the evening ended my mom took the bell off the top of the wedding cake and she hung it on our Christmas tree. Every year she lovingly packed that bell away and every December 10th she hung it on the Christmas tree. This went on until Christmas 1998, when she wasn’t there to hang it up anymore. My dad never put up a tree after that and a few years ago he gave me all of their old ornaments to hang on our tree. The bell, however, wasn’t with them and I assumed that he threw it away, as he threw so much away after my mom died.
And then this summer Dale was sorting through some things in the garage and he came across a box that we had taken from my dad’s house last winter. He called to me and said I should take a look and there, wrapped in tissue paper, was the bell.
It has disintegrated some but it is remarkable how much remains considering that it is 38 years old and made of sugar.
I brought it in the house and saved it to blog about it today. My plan was to take some pictures to preserve it and then throw it away.
You know what, though? I think I’m going to hang it on my Christmas tree one last time.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.
Kathy Said,
Thank you for an early morning gift.
Nora Said,
What a lovely thing, and a wonderful memory.
Kathode Ray Tube Said,
I’m so glad you found it! It’s a beautiful bell and so are the memories.
Manise Said,
What a lovely story! It is amazing how humidity and time haven’t reduced it to a small unrecognizable pile.
Ellen Said,
What a beautiful story for a special time of year. God Bless your Mom and Dad
margene Said,
You have a Charistmas memory to hold onto one more year and preserve from the hands of time.
Carol Said,
Wow. What a beautiful ornament and uplifting story. Thank you!
Sue Said,
How special that little bell is! Thanks for sharing the story.
gale (she shoots sheep shots) Said,
Aww. What a great story. And a good omen, to find it .
jill Said,
Beautiful. In a myriad of ways. Happy day, Carole.
Jenny Bennett Said,
What a beautiful memory!! I’m such a saver-I keep everything!! You should wrap it up and gift it to Hannah!
Wool Winder Said,
This bell is full of memories and belongs on your tree. How wonderful that you found it.
Geri Said,
What a beautiful story. Some things are meant to be. The pictures are beautiful. Why not capture it for the future in an ornament frame?
LittleWit Said,
That’s a wonderful story and sentiment.
Beth Said,
That was a beautiful story! I’m so glad it was found and that you’re able to enjoy once more.
Donna Said,
I can’t believe it is still intact. What a great memory. I wonder if there is a way to preserve it? Then Hannah can have it. Enjoy it!
Patty Said,
How nice – what a special treat this holiday season!
Sara Said,
That is a great memory! Enjoy the bell another year…
Kim Said,
What a beautiful little treasure for you this year! I wonder if you could find a sugar baker that could help you restore it? Most upscale hotels have sugar bakers. It is just so pretty and means so much to you that it would be wonderful if it could be saved.
Kathy Said,
Carole, what a very touching story. Not sure if you are really going to throw it away (sniff) but as you place it on your tree you should photograph it to put with your other photos of the ornament. Wouldn’t it be a beautiful ephemera layout to include a wedding photo of your parents. And of course you as the “bridesmaid/flowergirl”… along with any other materials to complete the memory. Thanks for the wonderful story.
Robby Said,
What a charming story. And how wonderful to re-discover it, and that your dad had held onto it. May it bring you special joy this season.
kmkat Said,
What a sweet story. (no pun intended) I love that you insisted on being called a bridesmaid. Kids are funny like that. Enjoy the bell and the memories!
Jo-Ann Said,
What a wonderfully sentimental and sweet story, it brought tears to my eyes … in a good way
I agree, perhaps there is some way to preserve it, or at every least photograph it and hang a photo frame on your tree in the years to come!
Knitnana Said,
What a lovely story…I’m so glad you found it for one last holiday!
((((hugs))))
Luise Said,
Such a nice story. Can you spray the bell with polyurethane or the like to preserve it further? What a treasure.
Carrie Said,
Oh Carole, that is so beautiful.
Erin Said,
So, so sweet.
Liz K Said,
It’s a blessing that you have the chance to give it a proper farewell.
Marilyn Said,
Maybe I’m just a sentimental packrat but I say you should keep it. There is nothing like holding the actual object in your hands….
Doris Said,
What a beautiful story.Absolutely your tree should be adorned with that bell! And how nice that Dale found it. How amazing that it is still intact at all, given its age. Thanks for sharing your memory.
Cheryl S. Said,
Hugs!
Kat Said,
How wonderful that you found it again after all those years!
Trista Said,
Sweet! People keep saying to save it. Perhaps you could add it to your compost and then you can add it to your flowerbeds next year and in my way of thinking, that is a way to “save” it- as new life. Of course you will always have the pictures of this year. I hope you will post a picture of your tree with the bell!
Many Blessing Carole and family!
Martha Said,
Aww, now I’m all teary-eyed. How amazing that Dale found the bell!
sprite Said,
Awww! ::sniffle::
Cookie Said,
Okay. I’m all sniffly and it’s your fault. I hope you’re proud of yourself, missy. ;^)
What a lovely story and what a wonderful Dale for finding it after all these years.
blogless sharon Said,
beautiful!
Kristyn Said,
What a beautiful story. When things appear like that around here I like to think it is my mom saying hello.
jingle Said,
extraordinary set, it outshines many others after you share with others cross the ocean.
Jeannie Said,
Beautiful story and memory. It brought tears to my eyes.
Judy Said,
That is such a sweet story – I am happy for you that you found it.
Vicki Said,
Simply wonderful.
(It just started snowing on your blog.)
; )
Karen Said,
Lovely, lovely story. Thank you, Carole.
Helen Said,
I got a lump in my throat reading this! What a nice story.
Birdsong Said,
That is such a sweet post… just made my day!
Laurie Said,
You are making me cry.
vanessa Said,
crying here also.
what a treasure!
Cathy R Said,
Lovely story. Thank you for sharing.
Hillary Said,
The bell is beautiful and so is the story. Thanks for sharing it.
colleen Said,
What a great family story.
HB Said,
That is what Christmas is all about – thanks for sharing your very sweet story & memory!
Charlotte Said,
What a great story! I’m with the others who suggest you see if the bell can be preserved in some way so it can always hang on your tree.
Stephanie Said,
What a wonderful story!
JessaLu Said,
Beautiful, thank you for sharing
)