My mom loved pretty things and she loved to collect them. When her dementia forced the decision to move her into assisted living, my siblings and I spent almost two years going through her collections, figuring out who would take what, what we could sell, and what we could donate before we had to sell her home.
My parents loved Waterford crystal and had a lovely collection that sat in a big china cabinet. It was pretty to look at and that's where it stayed. It wasn't used that much, just for special occasions, because it might get chipped or broken with everyday use.
Over the past few years, I have been using the pretty things that belonged to my mom and the things that I have collected - the silver, the embroidered cloth napkins, quilts, pottery, and the Waterford crystal - and not just for special occasions. These items are meant to be enjoyed and loved and will serve their purpose as they were intended to do. There is a joy and satisfaction in using what's in the cupboards, bringing back memories as well as making them.
We do tend to hide our pretty things away for safekeeping rather than use them. As I have fewer years ahead than behind I am now starting to use my "good" stuff now... before it's too late!
ReplyDeleteEveryday is special, use the good stuff and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a shame not to use the beautiful treasures. Life is too short.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful to look at the beautiful to enjoy.
ReplyDelete