Strawberry

My mother had a signature garment. Her Lanz de Salzburg nightgown. She wore them all year round. When she would mop the floor she would hike up the nightgown and tuck it into her underwear to keep from getting wet. What a sight to see! If you ever needed a safety pin, all you had to do was go to the nightgown-she always had several pinned to the top of the nightgown. One never knew when one would need a safety pin while sleeping. When my mom passed away, I took her nightgowns. I am not able to wear them. They are hers. They have a hint of her smell on them. Some are worn and faded. The newer ones are crisp and bright. This year for Christmas I took one of the nightgowns and made little strawberry ornaments for my sisters and I. I used the pattern from Heather Bailey. I wondered if my sisters would recognize the fabric. Christmas Eve arrived. I handed out my gifts. My sisters opened them- and the tears in their eyes said it all..."this is Mom's nightgown". I did not pack my strawberry away with the Christmas ornaments. I have it hanging in my kitchen. My mother was a colorful, vibrant, beautiful woman. I miss her.