May is for Mom
Written by Nancy Holekamp
Moms come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Some of us have lost our moms, but many of us still have one living nearby or across the world. Mine passed a few years ago, but I am intent on creating a small book of maps, remembrances, letters, and photos to share with my siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
After Dad and Mom were both gone, my sister brought me boxes of old letters and papers that she thought I might want to go through. I hit the jackpot with that box. There was no fine jewelry because my mom didn't have anything valuable except for her wedding ring. There were no designer clothes or purses. There were no Lladro figurines or Fabergé eggs. We didn't inherit any Tiffany lamps. What we found in that box was a wonderful record of life during the war, back home, and abroad.
My mom was one of the girls left behind while their boyfriends went to Europe or the Pacific to defend freedom. What life was like is vividly recorded in the Victory Mails and letters that went back and forth nearly every single day during his deployment abroad.
No one family member should have all those memories stuck in a box in the closet! So, we’re working to have all that wonderful information bound into a book, so that everyone in the family will have access to these amazing records—our family history. The book will be ready for our next sibling vacation!
In thinking of Mom and all that she went through and how we were raised, I can’t help but feel extra sentimental now that my daughter has just made me a grandmother. Another generation is making their mark in the world. Oh, how I wish there was a "mom training book" I could hand down to her, but we all know there isn’t. We learn from our mistakes, our mom's mistakes, and from our victories and successes, too. I hope my daughter remembers my mom with love, because she was a strong lady who raised six kids — and we all turned out ok!
And now to the ones who have their families close by, and their mom still here: Here are a few suggestions for things they may appreciate receiving in this “Month of Mom”…all found at Corner Cartel, of course!
And if she says she has everything she could ever want and also doesn't care for the typical candy or wine, maybe you can help her clear out a closet or organize her own photos and memorabilia. You never know what you will find!
And in the process of doing that, you might also come across some clothing, costume jewelry, or home accessories that you could donate to the Kendall County Women's Shelter, blessing those moms with something new to them, too.
For more than thirty years now, Corner Cartel has housed seven-thousand square feet of vintage finds, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade bath and body products, home decor, candles, souvenirs, and more…right in the beautiful heart of Boerne. Whether you're looking for one of a kind vintage treasures, classic antiques, or on-trend home decor, you're sure to find something to love inside our doors.