My mom was the youngest of 5, she had 3 sisters and one brother, Else, Annie, Ellie and Ernst. She grew up in Germany and was around the age of 7 during World War 2, which was a very scary time for those who did not agree with the government at the time. She and her family struggled, and it was not an easy life.
When mom was older and she was able to save up enough money, she took a chance….. a chance for a better life, she left Germany, and her family behind for a better life in Canada.
So l, when it comes to aunties and uncles, we grew up not knowing any of them. That’s not to say we didn’t known of them. Cause we did♡
We did meet my auntie Else and uncle Heinz back when I was around 9 years old… they came to Canada for a visit when she had completed her cancer treatments and was feeling better.
Because Germany was across the ocean and international phone calls were expensive, we of course did not speak with aunties, uncles and cousins on the phone like many do when they are close or in the same town or country.
But what does stand out in my mind is my auntie Annie. I think mom might have been closest to her. They wrote back and forth all the time, that I can remember as a kid.
My auntie Annie was a creative and talented lady and this is why I miss her♡
Every year auntie Annie and mom would like I said write back and forth, and she would always ask about us kids favorite colors.
Every year in September, I would look forward to getting a thick envelope in the mail♡ and every I was excited and tried to anticipate what beautiful item would be in my mail.
She never disappointed, mom would give me a thick envelope addressed to me and I was excited to read what she would say and see what she had made especially for me. Of course I couldn’t read German so mom always translated for us.
She crafted and crocheted these delicate beautiful colorful hankies.
These are just a small sampling of the beautiful timeless gifts she made for me. I appreciated them then, when I was a kid, but I appreciate them even more now as an older adult.
Imagine the patience, talent and ability as an older women, doing that fine intricate work, each stitch, each row…. I wonder what her thoughts were as she sat in her home and created these designs, I wonder did she think “I hope she likes the colour”, or maybe I wish I could see the look on her face when she opens the envelope, or maybe, does she wish she could meet me some day.
I never had a chance to meet her and I so wish I had the chance. To give here a hug, to say I love you, and thank you for what you made me♡. Instead those things had to be put down in words and sent in the snail mail♡. I wonder what her smile would have been like and if we had been closer would I have been at her house every day, would she ha e thought me her beautiful skills…. sipped tea with her or share a home baked sweet 😋.
I might not have met her in person and I sure wish I could have, but I do know she knew we loved her and appreciated her greatly.
So each year, after I had a chance to admire her beautiful work I would store away for cold and flu season my beautiful hankies in my sock drawer.
Another early memory I have of the hankies, is using them wrapped around my plastic barbie doll, knock offs. Using elastics and ribbons and yarn as belts and making pretty dresses for my dollies to wear… lol
One of my fondest memories is that she even made a pretty one that I used on my wedding day♡. I used it walking down the aisle with my mom as she gave me away, and you can also see it in the second picture as we exchange rings….
Although it is outdated and only seen in old movies, I presume. I carry hankies in my purse just in case I need to wipe nose, or just for nostalgia, and possible practical use.
It’s funny, I haven’t met my nephew’s wife in person yet….. But when they were getting married I sent one of the beautiful cherished hankies my auntie made me to her for her wedding day. I have no idea if she used it or if she is nostalgic about these sort of things. But to be able to pass along a little bit of me, to a niece in law because I will never have a daughter, was a little part of me and my family memories.
So it’s always this week in September when I feel a little sentimental and I wish my auntie was still around, I miss her because she would have thought of me and sent me a beautiful hanky that would get used for years to come. My question would be what pretty color did she do this year♡.
I don’t get cards in the mail, maybe one or two per year.. I miss that. Such a “lost art”.
I guess that is why, as an auntie, I always send a card, as it gives the niece or nephew hopefully something to look forward to.
So if you are an auntie, mail a card, send your love, give lots of hugs and love. If you are a niece or a nephew send your love back with a card or a note, or a hug and love, appreciate them, for they love you more than you know. As well you never know how long you will have them♡ don’t miss the opportunity.
If I could have a conversation with her now, I’d say, thank you so much for the memories I hold in my heart, thanks auntie Annie ❤️
What mail is in your box? And…. What mail have you sent?
Muddy Boots, Old Houses and The Farm 