I don't talk about my childhood a great deal. There are not a lot of good memories. My home was not a happy place.
I came from a large family where I was not wanted or liked by anyone. I tried to make sense of the world the best I could under those circumstances.
I have an early memory of hiding behind a living room chair. I can still see the ugly upholstery. It was colonial themed, gold with pineapples and eagles holding arrows in their talons. I was hiding there because my mother unpredictable and dangerous, was having an episode of fury, directing it at anyone in her path. I knew if she could not see me I would be safe.
There was a woman who lived 2 houses down our street. She was a single mother to three grown children. Her name was Helen.
She thought my sisters and I were adorable little kids.
I attached myself to her, as she was the only person I knew who actually liked me and I could trust. She had a big tabby cat named Junior. He had quite an attitude but I was fond of him and he tolerated me.
I would wait for her to come home from work. She would invite me in and give me cookies. She never spoke down to me, she didn't judge me. She opened her home to me and never turned me away. I never felt like I had to hide in her house.
As I grew older I would go to her house after dinner and watch TV. She would make tea and we would talk about current events, talk about things like what her grown children were up to, or she would tell me stories about growing up as a Chippewa girl in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
I don't know if she was aware of what went on in my house. It was never mentioned, but I have to believe she had an idea of the chaos that happened there.But I don't know if she really knew how important she was to me, how she taught me the value of kindness and gentleness and love.
When I graduated from high school she gave me a card with some money. I sent her a thank you note and I told her that she had made a difference in my life. She died from cancer a few years later.
She was the first person in my life that believed in me. She took a fragile child and showed her that life didn't have to be unhappy.
When I think of her now, I remember how the smallest kindness can give a child hope.
This blog hop is to remember those people in our lives who mean a lot to us -- a mom, a friend, a brother -- anyone who has meaning to us. Create a piece of jewelry that tells that story.
Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
Such a an honest and brave story to tell and a lovely tribute to the lady who took the time to care.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful story --I'm so glad she was there for you. What a difference a person can make in someone's life.
ReplyDeleteA very touching story - I'm glad you had someone in your life who could reach out to you like that.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to remember the difficult times, but what a difference this wonderful woman made in your life!
ReplyDeleteDiane, thanks for sharing this. Hope appears when you need it most, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteYou brought tears to my eyes Diane...how fortunate that you had her as your angel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story Diane. Thanks so much for sharing it.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a personal story. You were indeed lucky to have found such a friend. I have a feeling she probably felt the same way about you.
ReplyDeletexo
Thanks for sharing your story of such an amazing woman! Love your hope necklace!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness that you had a Helen in your life. We really never know just how much our kindness to others can really effect their lives. Thank you so much for reminding me of this.
ReplyDeleteYou're a wonderful writer and your story here is very touching. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletePeace and Love.
Thanx for sharing your story with us. It's great that you had Helen in your life. I love the necklace that you made. Hope is a perfect sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity of your necklace, and the word "hope" speaks volumes! I too, feel your pain of such a childhood.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your relationship with Helen, she sure sounds like she was a great relief to you in life.
You shared your story so well. The truth is we don't know what goes on in others homes. Sadly not everyone comes from a loving nurturing home. Thankfully Helen was in your life and you could see that not every home was like the one you grew up in. So the theme of your necklace...hope... with the heart and key is on the somewhat fragile glass ring is just perfect. Enjoy the hop.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Terri G.
Beautiful story and I love the jewelry design. It is amazing what a bit of hope in our life can create. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI thought of your post today and wanted to let you know I made some earrings for the neighbor girls this morning. It's a great feeling to give.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had someone in your life that gave you hope and made you realize you are worth something, thank you for sharing your story. The necklace says it all.
ReplyDeleteI cried as I read this, but am so grateful that you have such a wonderful memory of the woman who helped you and gave you a safe place to go! Beautiful piece of jewelry, too - I love the word Hope!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story - it touches my heart deeply. It's so difficult for me of finding the right words in English ...- just sending you a big hug..... You've made a piece for an angel!
ReplyDeleteThe embracing circle, the heart of hope, and the key to unlock possibilities - what a perfect summary of the woman who meant so much to you!
ReplyDeleteA safe haven is so important while growing up and becoming the person you are today. So glad you found yours. Beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.
ReplyDeleteI am so very glad to know that you had someone in your life who showed you kindness and love and acceptance when you most needed it. Thank you for sharing your story - your post and necklace is a beautiful tribute to Helen's life and her memory.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the safe place she gave you. I love the fact that you can look back on her with love, a good story & a lovely necklace.
ReplyDeleteOh Miss Diane! What a heartfelt story! I am sure that Miss Helen benefited as well from your relationship. I am so glad that you found each other and were able to make so many happy memories! Thank you for sharing your story. Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteSo simple but so elegant. How wonderful for you that this lady was there to bring peace and joy into your life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a meaningful and heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletewhat a sad and beautiful story all at the same time. I'm so happy you had each other. I'll never look at your hope bead the same way again :)
ReplyDeletei understood your story, with my poor english. everyone has a story, mine is so, so. you have an wonderful soul and you're a lucky woman having such a good friend.
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ReplyDeleteI grew up with a similar situation and like you, I don't talk about it much. I hid under the bed far against the wall where I couldn't be reached by my mom. I loved my mom but I grew up in terror. But one thing I know is that all it takes is one adult in a child's life to show that child that there is more to life than what goes on in the home they were born into. I had that and I am so glad for you that you had that one adult also. What a difference it makes and what a treasure! Your work is beautiful and I love it!
ReplyDeletePatty
Hi again, I looked for a contact me link but I will do it here. I was inspired by your post to start a new blog called Fairies Whims as a personal journal. I used what you wrote and linked it here. let me know if it's ok with you. Thanks
ReplyDeletePatty
http://fairieswhims.blogspot.com/