Friday, February 13, 2009

A Handmade Card

I remember this story my Dad told about the time he totally forgot to get a card for my Mom for Valentine’s Day. He worked two jobs and there were six of us kids to take care of so it’s pretty easy to see how it may have slipped his mind. All day Mom happily anticipated him coming in the door with a Hallmark Valentine and maybe a box of Whitman chocolates. She was so disappointed when Dad came in empty handed. “Oh Reds, how could you forget Valentine’s Day” she said. After dinner Dad disappeared for a while. He came up to her with a card that he made himself. Mom smiled, she was so surprised at what a good artist Dad was. We didn’t know he could draw that well!
Mom passed away about 11 years ago. When my Dad was going through her things he found that valentine carefully wrapped and saved all of those years. That meant more to her than anything that could have come from a store. It was made just for her and from the heart. What could be better than that?

15 comments:

JulieA said...

What a great story, Joanne! Yes, handmade cards and gifts are the best. They're from the heart. And so with that, I hope you, Jim and Billy have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Abi Bundy said...

That's such a great story, handmade cards are the best! I love your work and your blog and have an award for you on mine come pick it up!

Jaspere said...

Amazing story. I prefer handmade because its the thought and time it took to make it.

Michelle said...

OMG! How sweet!! I love that story! You know what else...your Mom's outfit is awesome! I love that style! LOL!

Merrigrace said...

What a great story. My mom has saved Valentine's that her parents shared as well. I love looking at the vintage cards. Happy Valentine's Day.

Carisa said...

omg, that totally brought tears to my eyes. what a beautiful testimony to your parents' love.

jdmommy - Anne Harmon said...

My mother has always saved meaningful cards! that card you describe has to be so treasured by all of you! thanks for sharing that story...so full of love on this special day!

Alison Anderson said...

That is a great story! How sweet!

Elena said...

Oh, Joanne! What a beautiful and touchful story! Thank you so muchfor sharing!

Ashley Newell said...

Awww, Joanne! What a wonderful story! I'm so glad they shared it with you and that you have shared it with us. What a sweet picture too!

Elizabeth said...

That is such a great story! I hope you have it written down somewhere so you can pass it down to your kids and future grandkids.

Geekygirl said...

What a beautiful story!

Dawn said...

I happened upon your blog by chance... or did I? this is the most touching story i have ever read! I am one of 6 children as well and I want ti know who has custody of your mama's treasured card now? That would be my most precious heirloom... what a beautiful story and what a beautiful love. Thank you
Dawn Knight

~T~ said...

Those are the kind of stories that should make front page news!

Joan Ervin said...

What a sweet story, Joanne....sounds like you got your talent from your Dad!!! Your parent's picture is wonderful, too...looks like my parents picture only Dad was in the Navy.