Hold Dear to my Heart

For over thirty years I've carried this rosary given to me by my favorite aunt.  The aunt that is knit worthy, who is my godmother and my confirmation sponsor all those years ago.  I was thirteen years old when I received the sacrament of Confirmation.  My parents had a picnic party out in the back yard after the ceremony and  I remember my aunt giving me this rosary to mark my entrance into the Catholic faith and the sunny day with cherry blossoms in the air.  My youth surrounding me and my future yet unknown.

This rosary has been tucked in my purse and followed me through my high school years and college years, moving from state to state early on in my marriage.  I've held it close to me during challenging times.  This rosary was a source of strength when my mother died in my thirties.  Many emergency room visits with a son who was accident prone and a mother with a knack for making worrying a full time job.  I carry this rosary and it grounds me.

The tiny cross was a gift from my husband early on in our marriage for Easter.  The tiny miraculous medal was pinned to a christening card for my daughter when she was born.  She received many, I kept one.  After my son was born three years later, I started to wear the cross and medal daily.  I cannot remember why I started but I've worn them for twenty years.

In the past ten years, my sister gave me the two hearts.  She said "big heart little heart, big sister little sister".  I effortlessly slipped this onto the necklace that I wear every day. A reminder of my little sister who is my only sibling and dearest friend.

In the past five years, my two children gave me a heart for Mother's day.  The inscription reads "mother, I love you always".  Another token to wear every single day.  

I collect each one and the memories attached to them, our histories woven together. I am a child, a niece, a sister, a wife and a mother.  All of these items are tied to people I hold dear to my heart.

Joining Amanda-talisman-prompt a day.