This apron was made by my grandma; a person in history I always wanted but never had the chance to meet. She passed away when my mom was only sixteen.
This apron doesn't fit me by a long shot. Grandma was a good six inches shorter than me. I wear it anyway. I feel connected in it. Connected to my grandma, who could look at any dress, outfit, or apron and knew how to go home and make it (what is that like?!). Connected to my mom who can do the same thing with any recipe (and can make it better, if you ask me).
This apron connects me to a line of homemakers, each with her own strengths in this fine art.
In this apron, I am weaved into a line of mothers. Each one parented as best as she knew how. I look down at this growing baby belly, protected by this apron from cooking stains, and pray that I may raise all five babies, born and yet to be born, in the unique way each one needs to be nurtured. What a humbling privilege this is.
The colors and pattern of this apron are so cheery. I treasure the unique vintageness it brings to my kitchen.
This apron is a symbol of heritage preserved throughout three generations. It wouldn't have been possible for me to enjoy dawning it every morning had my mom not taken care of it so well. It makes me wonder what I'm doing (or could be doing) to preserve and pass down the richness that has been gifted to me.
It stands for so much, this apron of mine.
I'm sharing this at Farm Girl Friday, Simple Lives Thursday, Barn Hop & Gratituesday.
I'm sharing this at Farm Girl Friday, Simple Lives Thursday, Barn Hop & Gratituesday.
Lovely post! There is something to feeling connected with a homemaker heritage. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love this. I don't have an apron...but I would cherish one with such rich history and meaning. Especially one connected to food. Food is a way for families and friends to connect and share life. I loved this post!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Katie.
ReplyDeletegreat post, Katie!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. My mom has one of her grandmother's - and both my sister and I have one mad with a replica of the pattern. Mine has bright red carnations on it - the carnations are the state flower of my original home state (also my mum's & grandmother's), made for me after I moved out of state.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I don't think I ever wore this apron. I think it was meant just for you. I love you!
ReplyDeleteWow this has so many wonderful thoughts of my own.... My husbands mother wears an apron very similar from HER Grandmother, it's all tattered and thin and beautiful. She let me try it on once but it was way to small for me as well.... My own grandmother died while my mother was just 14 and I have always always wanted to know and meet her... My mom gave me one of her nightgowns that I wore when i was a pre-teen, wore for years and years until it was in shreds and falling apart.... Such a wonderful for you to treasure!
ReplyDeleteOk I was already feeling a bit near-tears before I read this...you pushed me over the edge! haha Not that that's a bad thing. I am positive that your grandmother is so proud of the way you're carrying on the family heritage. Thanks for the reminder to re-focus on what is important.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute. I really need to get some aprons.
ReplyDeleteMy great-grandma could do the same thing, sewing-wise. She made two pairs of Christmas jimmies for me that fit perfectly, even though she never measured me. I can't wait 'til my daughter fits into them!
ReplyDeleteI have my grandmother's darning bag. She taught me how to properly repair clothing, to cook and bake, and to sing harmony. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't whisper thanks for those gifts. Thanks for sharing at Gratituesday.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful connection you have there with your mother and grandmother, with the apron tying you all together. Such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteA great post. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. I love aprons. And to have something like that from your grandmother - is enriches life.
ReplyDelete