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THE GREATEST TREASURE By, Kathleene S. Baker The beveled glass box atop my dresser dances with color when morning sunlight streams through the window. The multitude of color prompts me to pause; it's become a special time each day when I reflect on memories of my mother.
I remember well the Mother's Day it was given to her because the prior month had been my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. After a reception in their hometown, the following month we kids sent them to Jamaica to continue their celebration. They returned from the trip on Mother's Day weekend. Mom loved the glass jewelry box from the moment she opened the package. All sides were beveled and the top was finely etched with flowers and hummingbirds; or as she always referred to her favorite feathered friends, "hummers." It wasn't large; actually it was just the right size for dropping earrings and a necklace into at the end of the day, or for holding pieces worn most often. Many years passed that I didn't really see it up close, but on the occasions I entered my folk's bedroom it always caught my eye as it rested upon the dresser.
The glass box is more than a beautiful, cherished accessory that
holds a variety of Mom's favorite jewelry items; the essence of who
she was is tucked inside. Hence, the contents will remain as they
are; my gemstones will not be intermingled. The strands of cultured pearls trigger memories of the many pearls of wisdom she shared with me. The few diamonds bring to mind her viewpoint as regards judging others. No matter their social status or background each person is unique and many are a diamond in the rough just waiting for their time to shine. The gold items hark back to Mother's certainty that silence is golden and one should be open-minded and listen to the opinions of others, whether you agreed or not. A difference in beliefs was no cause for discord but probably indicated the subject of conversation should be changed. The silver items prompt me to maintain a positive attitude; Mother chose to believe that most dark clouds were lined with silver. After her death, while sorting Mom's earrings, necklaces and such I discovered several retro pieces I'd not seen before. They were passe by the time I was of the age to admire baubles and beads, but she had stunning brooch and earrings sets. The entire collection that I chose to keep creates a myriad of hues that transform the beveled glass box into a device with the ability to capture a rainbow.
After suffering through the Great Depression, Mother's passion for lovely but tasteful costume jewelry revealed that she always remained quite frugal. Still, when morning sun strikes the authentic and artificial display of stones, gold, and silver a mighty shimmer is unleashed; I feel I'm being reminded to reflect on and live by the pearls of wisdom Mom felt most important.
Mother was one of eleven siblings raised by parents that spent their
lifetime as tenant farmers. Add to that the Great Depression, and
she truly understood the fundamental priorities necessary for a
fulfilling life. I've done my best to live by her teachings and pray she left this world satisfied that I did grasp and appreciate her life lessons. Remembering... Lovey Arlene Boucher on Mother's Day
Copyright 2010 rev. Kathleene S. Baker Chicken Soup for the Soul Contributor
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