Learning simple things about people is not very exciting for most of us. We prefer mysterious tales and dark secrets. Simple things are too innocent, unless of course they come from someone who’s passed. They take on new meaning, especially if you’ve never heard the message before.
Ruth wrote several entries in a “Reflections from a Mother’s Heart” journal I found when I came to Florida a couple weeks ago. The first reflection focused on her childhood. “What was your favorite pastime as a child? Did you prefer doing it alone or with someone else?
This is what she wrote. “When I was very young, probably around five, I loved to swing. I had a swing set and one time I was swinging so high, the whole thing came out of the ground, and I landed on my back. What a ride.
I remember that I loved to play with cut out dolls too. I like dressing them, but the favorite part for me was the cutting. I loved being precise – just seeing how close I could get to the edge – leaving no white, nor taking too much off the piece I was cutting
As I got older, I liked baking things – cakes and cookies.
I also really enjoyed ironing and took great pride in no wrinkles.”
There’s nothing too revealing in Ruth’s words. I celebrate the fact that I have them to share. As I’ve read this, I’m reminded of our granddaughter, Eva. When she was “very young”, she liked to swing. In fact, Ruth and I purchased a wooden swing set for her first home. She swung there until moving from Jackson to Hamilton.
She, too, played with cut out dolls. I’ll never be sure if this was because of Ruth’s influence, but Eva had a set of cut out dolls at our Lake LeAnn home. I picked up several paper dresses, hats, and shoes from between our couch cushions after a visit from her. I miss those days.
Today, Eva is a great baker. She got started working alongside of her dad, but she’s perfecting her craft in her own right. David learned from his mom. Generational skills should be celebrated.
As for ironing, I don’t think any of her children or grandchildren developed this interest. We live in a wrinkle free fabric world today, so much of the need has gone by the wayside. But I must admit Ruth still set up our ironing board and ironed away every couple of weeks until her last.
Ruth didn’t address the second question in her response. She loved her friends and got along with everyone. I never met anyone who offered an unkind word. But she was comfortable being alone too. I think she just enjoyed her life and was happy doing the things she liked with the people she loved.
I’ll share more of Ruth’s musings as I continue to write my blogs. Perhaps we’ll all learn a thing or two in the process.
