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“Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens” Ok, maybe I’m not quite as sentimental as Julie Andrews, but close. Saving everything from ticket stubs to flowers to hotel room keys (who does that?!) I even saved the scrubs my hubby wore for the birth of our first daughter. I mean…what on earth are we doing with these?! Don’t worry, I still have at least 50 copies of our wedding invitation too. Maybe I’ll hold on to these in case we renew our vows someday. You know, just white out the date, write in the new one and it’s good to go, right?! My motive for all of the above sentimental-neuroticicm is totally genuine; to keep the memories alive. Some would classify this behavior as borderline hoarder-style. But hey, I acquired this hidden talent naturally. My Mom saved every last spelling test, piece of artwork, report card, school newsletter, yada, yada, and yada from when I was a kid. So today, on the 1 year anniversary of my Mom’s passing, I wanted to share some of my most sentimental, prized possessions with you. Hopefully my ramblings make sense. If anything, it just feels better to write it all down. I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty hopped up from the truffles, lattes, cinnamon rolls, croissants and cupcakes my sweet friends have left on my door step to help brighten my spirits today. I’m sure I’ve quoted this song a thousand times already, but it’s so true. “I get by with a little help from my friends.” I digress.

Annnyway, aside from my photo albums, there are a few accessories that would be classified in the “if your house was on fire, what would you grab” category. Not because of the label or the price tag, but because of what they represent and more importantly who they represent. Whether it be the gift giver, the person who passed them down to me or a special memory they invoke, they are all priceless in my eyes. Who would have thought a 50 cent pair of sunglasses would make the cut?!

There’s something that’s so magical and at the same time comforting about putting on a pair of earrings that my Mom wore or a necklace with the initials of my children. I can’t quite put my finger on the feeling, but it’s there every single time. I truly feel closer to my Mom when I wear her jewelry. As if by simply putting it on, she’s actually there with me throughout the day. She came with us to pick out our tree, went to NYC with my sisters and me, and is currently sitting here watching me type. Probably thinking, “are you sure you don’t want me to type for you, I’m way faster.” Ha.

The 50 cent sunglasses I was telling you about were from my wedding. I’ll never forget seeing my hubby rocking a pair on the dance floor. Next to the day our babies were born, I’ve never seen him happier than than on our wedding day. And I can still see each and every significant person in my life rocking their sunnies on that special night too. I hope I don’t sit on these gems, because I can see myself wearing them to drop the girls at college. Cool Mom award goes to me. If only.

And last but certainly not least, the gorgeous gold monogrammed necklace was a gift from L.E. to my Mom on Mother’s Day right after she was born. We engraved my Mom’s monogram on the front and “Love, L.E.” on the back. I later learned that my Mom wore this necklace to every single one of her chemo treatments. Feeling closer to her family was a source of strength for her during this difficult time. Obviously, these possessions are more significant than the silver/gold/plastic they are composed of. They represent the people behind the possessions. The people I’m so blessed to have had in my life, and the ones that I get to be with here on Earth every single day.

details: gold monnogrammed necklace / initial necklace, also sold here / sweater also in blue plaid / button down / jeans / loafers / bracelets 1 2

photos by Traci Ling