The special gift

A Special Gift
for the Family

I knew this Christmas would be hard on us with the loss of our mother last month. For my gift, I wanted to do something special for my family. I prayed for an idea that would mean alot to my brothers and sisters and this is what I came up with. [I believe it's actually a gift from my mother through me]
It is a very emotional gift but it brought comfort to each of them.

For my Christmas gift my friend Dawn and I made a patchwork pillow out of clothing my mother wore and put her picture on my father's hankerchief. On the back was a pocket and appliques from the lapels of her dresses. Each of my brothers and sisters received the same package---each package had 2 poems, & two cards enclosed along with the pillow. As they opened there gifts together the song "Hail Mary: Gentle Woman" played in the background (which was the song from her mass). Each gift was layered in the same way --- poems, cards & pillow --- and I will write each one down in the order it was presented.

The day I decided to make these pillows I received this letter/poem in the mail from a friend that had brought my mother communion for the years she was sick. It came with a small explaination saying she believed it was from my mother. (*I don't know who actually wrote this poem, so if the author should stumble upon my page, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due.)
When the package was first opened on the top was this poem....

From Someone Dear To You All

I see the Christmas trees around the world below
With lights like Heaven's star, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular. Please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus this year

I hear the Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of Christmas music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me. You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year

I sent you a special gift from my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory of my undying love
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told
Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do
For I can't count the blessing of love He has for each of you
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year
Hold on to the memories
I love you all

On the second layer was this poem written by me.(Sharon) I was very surprised at the words I was writing down. I don't know where the words came from but I know I was inspired to write this poem....

In this package you will find
Alot of different patterns of mine
This gift for you is the fabric of my love
It holds special memories from me up above
Sewn with love and care
It's a gift that is rare

Hold it close to your heart
for we will never really be apart
I know losing me is hard to bear
but always remember I'm always there
Grab hold of your pillow when you're feeling blue
for I am there watching over you

Remember, I am happy and no longer in pain
When I drifted off to heaven I had alot to gain
I got to see the Heavenly Father above and
all the people I had loved

When I saw the light I could not wait.
It was a wonderful sight when I reached Heaven's Gate
My mother, father, brothers and sisters were standing there
to greet me as the gates opened wide
and as I walked through I looked side to side
Surrounding me with love was family and friends I had lost in the past
saying, you've made it at last.

And in the center of them all
was your father waiting for me to answer my call
I walked up to him and wiped away a tear as he said,
I've waited a long time but you're finally here.

Then he took me in his arms and we began to dance
We were so very happy to have this second chance
but as we looked down below
we saw our poor children
trying to deal with their sorrow
We asked our dear daughter as she slept
To make you all something so you wouldn't forget.
We love you all and we'll always be there
We're just out of sight but we will always care
We'll be watching over you from up above
Hold on to the the memories and our love

When they finally reached the pillow there was an explanation card sitting on top. Now when I wrote the poem I realized it was not my words. It almost sounds like my mother speaking through me. When I wrote the explantion card I was surprised that I wrote it as if it was from my mother also. When I realized I went back to change the wording so that they knew it was from me but decided to leave it since this is how it was written and there must be a reason.

A Little Explanation.....

1) the piece of paper this is on has one of the perfumes I wore

2)You all know your father was the center of my universe so my picture is on his handkerchief in the center of your pillow ( a little piece of his memory)

3) The fabric is pieces of my clothing I have worn and in the pocket you will find the obituary with a rose petal on the back in memory of me.

4) Last but not least, the thread is what binds you and your sister, Sharon together. For she has put this all together for you with the help of her close friend, Dawn. You all need to stick together like the thread that binds this gift together

I LOVE YOU

Front view of pillow

Back view of pillow with rose petal obituary in pocket.

The reason I put the obituary with the rose petal in the pocket was because when my mother passed not one of us thought to cut it out of the paper as a keepsake for our family tree. So I got a copy and typed it up and then put it on a business type card with the rose petal on the back which was then lamenated.

They all loved the gift I gave them.
It was very emotional but they all Thanked me for bringing Mom to Christmas this year.

I am putting this up on my website to give other people ideas and if you'd like to use my poem and change it a bit to fit your need please do so. All I ask is that you let me know you took it.
Thank You.

Where would like to go next.....

Thank You Castleberry Arts for the graphics