GrandmasAngel




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" December 14, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." A handkerchief from her grandmother became an angel from her mother. One day, this precious memento will be passed down to her granddaughters. Grandma’s Angel Diane Dean White During our younger years, we'd read about the angel Gabriel that the Bible tells us came to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to tell her of her firstborn child, and to comfort her fears. Again, a great company of heavenly host appeared with an angel at the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem, and after praising God the angels left and went into Heaven. Other than what the Bible says about them, as youngsters we didn't think about angels. Oh, there was always an angel or a star on the top of our Christmas tree, but they weren't popular, not like we read and hear about them today. When I became a Mother, my husband and I taught our children that God is in control, although He uses many ways to get our attention; He has the ability to send angels to watch over and protect us, we are still to keep our eyes focused on Him. God is over everything including angels. I know many people who collect favorite items that become part of their personality, and what they enjoy and have a special interest in. Today there are many beautiful angels that are used to make lovely decorations and statements in homes. Many of my friends collect angels. I collect teacups, beautiful china eggs, and thimbles. And so my home is representative of the things I enjoy, and they mean so much to me. A few years ago my Mother asked me if I had any of my Grandmother's handkerchiefs. I remember searching through my dresser drawer and finding a soft pink velvet bag that held a number of handkerchiefs that had belonged to my Grandmother which I carefully had put away. I took the beautiful white linen handkerchiefs that had been my Grandmothers, and gave them to my Mother. I remember being a bit surprised, as I had cherished them, and often carried a handkerchief in my purse to church and other functions. But, for some reason Mother had wanted to have them, and so I gave her what she asked me for. We were going to visit my parents at Christmas time that year in Florida, and although it wasn't a long journey, it was always an eager one for me, as I always look forward to that time after they came south each winter. Upon approaching their home in the sunshine state where the bright oranges and grapefruit can be seen in groves or in yards of the homes along the streets, with palm trees and flowering shrubs that are so fragrant. As if a child once again, I look forward to the Pelican in their yard that bids a familiar greeting as we arrive for our visit. As is the custom each Christmas we are with my parents, there are a number of beautifully decorated streets to drive by at night, as well as several live nativity scenes at area churches. And soon Christmas Eve is upon us. The small tree inside is just large enough to hold some of the smaller gifts I've chosen to give my parents, while I lay larger items on the floor around the skirting. In the morning we have some freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange juice with some crapes Mom makes, and enjoy the gifts from one another. I remember the small package that was in a beautiful wrapping of gold foil and lavender bows, and I wondered what the soft piece of tissue inside held. As I unwrapped the paper, my eyes caught sight of the small initials in the corner and I realized as I slowly lifted the gift up to see that my Grandmothers handkerchief had been beautifully made into an Angel. It was about eight inches in height and the head was made of a much firmer material, with light golden hair, while the lace along the trim fell to the bottom of the flowing gown, which so beautifully portrayed an angel. Part of the handkerchief made bellowed sleeves and a special lace trim was added to the back. A light pink rosebud with trailing silk ribbon appeared as if hands in prayer. My Angel was beautiful, and when I looked further, I saw two more that had been made from the handkerchiefs that had belonged to my Grandmother. This was my first Angel that I would proudly place inside a glass shelf. It would become Grandma's Angel, and I would remember the woman I'd been so close to over the years, and whose linen handkerchiefs had made these lovely Angels. My Mother and I found a small ginger jar that the base of the inside of the angel could fit into and her dress fell beautiful to the bottom, allowing the linen and lace to show. I noticed a small tag that the designer had placed on the back with the words: An Heirloom Angel, made with vintage linen, lace and love. How appropriate! I knew that someday I would give my angels to my grand-gals and they would have something that had been very precious to me. They would never know their great-great grandmother, although one was named for her. But between my Mother, my daughter and me, we would make sure that they knew what a grand lady she was, and that her handkerchief was made into a special memory. And something they could look at and remember as Grandma's Angel. © Diane Dean White 2004 Thelamb212 @ aol.com Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer and has contributed to a number of publications over the past few years. She is the author of the book ‘Beach Walks’ and ‘Carolina In the Morning’. She lives on Hilton Head Island with her husband of 32 years. They are the parents of three grown children and two grand-gals. To order Diane's new book and visit her online home, please go to: www.DianeDeanWhite.com. Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at: http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html You will find wonderful books written by, or that include stories by many of our talented writers. You will also find books that aide the budding writer. I highly recommend “Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Guide,” and “2005 Writer’s Market.” Both are must haves for all serious writers. They are great tools to find that perfect market for your writing, or would make great gifts for the writer in your life. Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Tonia Melissa Bair Matthew Nutter Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.