This is Storytelling Sunday at From High in the Sky, and the second installment of Pick Your Precious. When I first read Sian's idea for her third year of storytelling, I immediately thought of my mother's thimble.
I was twenty years old and in college when my mother passed away. I can truthfully say I didn’t really know her. I have memories, of course, but we never talked as adults to one another, and I would give anything to have an hour or two with her to ask some burning questions.
But I do know she was a remarkable lady who worked full-time as a math teacher when most moms stayed at home. She ran a big house, cooked, and gardened. She was a wonderful seamstress. She was also color-blind which is unusual for a woman. Two colors she could not distinguish at all were browns and greens. I can remember from an early age being called into my parents’ bedroom to tell her which thread matched the fabric she wanted to use.
I grew up in Ohio farm country, and all the kids belonged to 4-H. Most of them were raising animals. We lived in town, but I belonged to a 4-H sewing club, and my mother was a wonderful teacher. When she passed away she didn’t leave a lot of jewelry or other items that I could hold onto. But she did leave her sterling silver thimble. I use it every time I sew, and it’s a precious reminder of one connection I have with my mom.
I'm not sure where one would go to buy a sterling silver timble these days. The only ones I ever see are inexpensive ones at JoAnn's or Michael's. I thought I'd leave you with a shot of the beautiful detail on my mother's thimble.
