Over Advent and the holidays, I read the back of my Swedish hymnbook where Bible readings, sermons and hymns for the four Sundays of Advent and the Christmas morning mass are shown.
I received my hymnbook from my parents to commemorate my confirmation in the
I decided to make this little book my treasure for today. Then I remembered that I have another hymnbook, commemorating a confirmation that took place almost 60 years before mine.
I took it out of my bookcase and was transported back in time, holding the book and thinking of my beloved paternal grandfather. I remembered how he smelled comfortably of pipe tobacco and wore a vest with a gold pocket watch in the appropriate pocket. I have that watch and I also inherited his Swedish potato nose. I've said it before on this blog -- it may not be the prettiest nose in the world, but I'm happy and proud to have inherited something I can touch from this very sweet and kind man.
My mother told me this was his hymnbook, but when I opened it and saw the date, 1897, I realized it must have been my grandmother's. She was 15 years old then, the age of our first communion in the Swedish church. It doesn't really matter whose it was, maybe they read it together and maybe she sang the hymns with her lovely voice, one of the few in our family to be blessed with a beautiful voice.
Here she is again, at a younger age. She never lost that look of determination for as long as she lived, almost to the age of 90.
Right now, as I have to fight my way back to health and strength after last year's adversities, I find myself hoping to have inherited some of her determination.
FYI, winter has arrived here in the canyon. It was 19 F this morning, not as cold as some places, I know, but it is winter and I intend to enjoy it. Yesterday, I drove to town on snow and ice and found out that it is a skill you don't forget. I was a bit tense, but all went well. I still don't understand why our road was not sanded.
Have a great day everyone.
Lovely thoughts of family will get you stronger. You are fortunate to have these connections flow through you
ReplyDeletecannot believe that actually treat your roads in your remote location. I live in Redmond WA, home of Microsoft, and I have seen no evidence of any road treatment on my street. It is a main street through the core business district.
Happily it is supposed to rain today and freezing temperatures will go away.
Oh Inger! What an absolute treasure!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have my grandpa's Bible...and it was his mothers' before that. These are things to hold, cherish, and be grateful for. What a heritage!
I love your gift of being able to see your parents and grandparents, through the objects of theirs that you have. I think that connection to those of us who came before is a wonderful thing. It gives us a sense of our own place in the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteThose are great family treasures! Well worn and well used. Love that photo! And that you inherited a great nose and great determination!
ReplyDeleteupupaepops: By the time I drove home at 3 p.m most of the snow had melted and the dangerous parts of the road, with black ice, were sanded. But I left at noon and did meet the snowplow. Maybe they were just busy.
ReplyDeleteDawn: You are so blessed to have an old Bible from your family. What a treasure.
Louise: I always had a strong connection to my family, history and Sweden.
texwisgirl: I hope to have that determination.
How nice to still have the old books. I have my Grandmother's old Bible, printed in 1904, that she wrote the numbers again on each verse as she read it. It's falling apart, but I still treasure it as you do yours.
ReplyDeleteWinter is here, all right, waiting for Spring now!
Have a good day, Inger, and drive safe!
That's a wonderful book to have all these years. I do hope you can draw on that determination of your Grandmother's in this next year with the health issues you face. Always a pleasure to visit here and hear your stories.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard that song, Faith of Our Fathers? You are blessed to have the heritage of faith passed down to you from your ancestors. Not many can say that. I've also blessed in that way.
ReplyDeletea sweet post!
ReplyDeletehappy new year
Inger, I would say you have her determination as well!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate to have those treasures, Inger. I don't believe my parents have anything like that from their parents. Not sure why.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be neat to hold an old bible and realize that my grandparent also held it, perhaps 50 or so years ago.
Keep warm, dear! Only a few more months and spring will be here! :)
What wonderful things you have Inger. Please be careful on those roads...xxx
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather wore a vest with a pocket watch too. He also had a fedora hat. I don't have anything that was his, but I do have memories and some photos.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have mementoes of loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThose are such wonderful family heirlooms to own. I cannot imagine having an old hymnal like that. Such a treasure. Do be careful on the roads.
ReplyDeleteHello Inger!! I love your family treasures! I've also no doubt that the determination and inner strength you have comes from those family members that have long since passed.
ReplyDeleteBe safe when you're out! I always say it's not my driving that's the problem but everyone else driving LIKE me! ;-)))
what a cool family treasure...hope it warms up for you soon
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful that you have these treasures to hold on to. I've always been intrigued by old Bible's and hymnals when I see them at yard sales or estate sales... but to have ones that belonged in your own family... how nice!! Beautiful picture. Stay safe, Inger :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so steeped in your family history Inger.....how fortunate to also have these items from your grandparents. You should have no trouble at all 'finding' that strength to heal....remember you are very much a part of all your family.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine driving on unsanded roads.
Jim
How wonderful that you have those treasures & know so much about your families past. I love the pic. of your grandmother. Such great things to hold on to.
ReplyDelete