bits and pieces

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This fall, we were going through my late cousin Claire’s things at her small apartment in Minneapolis. A large, open glass bowl sat alone on a shelf. We all stared at it, knowing it was too delicate to discard, but also acknowledging none of us would have any idea what to use it for. Claire’s husband Mike suggested our grandma might like it, and we all agreed she would find some way to incorporate it onto her mantle.

A few nights ago, I was talking to my grandma on the phone. She told me she was grateful for a break, as she had been trying to set up a Christmas scene, but that the little church kept tipping over. I told her to send me a picture of it when she was done. A few minutes after we hung up, she sent me the promised photo.

Witnessing immense pain, grief, uncertainty and heartache this holiday season, yet at the same time finding new ways to hold together the familiar bits and pieces.

Comments

  1. Pamela OlsonDecember 9, 2020 at 7:17 AM

    Bridget, this brought me right back to that moment. I am so glad that Claire’s important things can be shared and loved by others as a way to honor her memory. Thank you for sharing!
    Mom

    ReplyDelete

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