A Life told in Hair! (and hats)

I'm linking up with SaveEveryStep. This is a nostalgia Linky of family stories. This week, the stories are all about our changing attitudes to (and experiments on) our hair. 

One of the first things Mom worried about after her cancer diagnosis, was her hair. We made an appointment with a hairdresser, who was in remission from breast cancer. She cut Mom's hair short and helped her choose a wig style. Then, when Mom's hair fell out from the chemotherapy, we already had a plan to deal with it. These photo's show Mom's changing hair over her life-time, the way we remember her. 

I have included photo's of Mom in hats, too, as she loved her hat collection, almost as much as her hair.

History in a box

Last year saw not just the death of my Mom, but also the sudden death of an Uncle and the unexpected demise of an old family friend. She was in her eighties, and had led a rather secretive life. She never married and apparently lived off the proceeds of a life insurance policy ceded to her by my great Grandfather, or so the story goes.

She was born in Canada to a single mother. Her birth certificate is missing, presumed hidden forever. The man the family pointed to as her father was never heard of again. The rumours persist to this day that her real father was my great Grandfather.

I'm not sure. For one thing, if she knew she actually my Father's cousin, why didn't she say so? And for another thing, if she did benefit from that life insurance policy, then surely the direct descendants of my great Grandfather should have a claim against it, too.

Cosmos, July 2012, Lesley Beeton

Whatever the story, it has been debated at many family gatherings, and we are no further enlightened. She left me several boxes and an ancient trunk of photo's and diaries in her will. I was bemused to say the least. Some beneficiaries got money. I have a garage full of junk.

But of course, one man's junk is another man's treasure and I know that as custodian of these items, they should be protected. I just can't bring myself to go through it all, eighty years of history in a box.

Grateful for ..... Nostalgia

Nostalgia, reminiscing, memories. Powerful human emotions. In the past week, we have had visitors from Australia and South Africa; people who were very special to Mom, who loved Mom and whom she loved and treasured in return. It could have been a difficult week for us, but it wasn't. We laughed a lot, talked about Mom and unlocked some precious memories. I am so grateful.

All I want for Christmas...

I've got a list. I've checked it twice. Actually, I've checked that it's all been bought too. But there is something not on the list. Something I couldn't write down. Something in my heart.
All I want for Christmas is a day of happy memories, and looking forward to the New Year. A year of good health, new adventures and lots of love.
Oh, and friendship. More of the wonderful friendship I have enjoyed this year. In spite of everything, something beautiful flourished this year. A warm and enduring friendship that will last a lifetime. Priceless. Can't put that on a Christmas list. 
What's on your list in your heart?

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MOM WOULD HAVE LOVED THAT

We've been saying that a lot lately. Funny, but we used to say it a lot about Granny, too, as in, Granny would have loved that pudding. In the days and weeks after Mom died we were so overwhelmed by her illness and death, that I personally couldn't think of Mom as she was in the months and years before she got ill. Now, nearly fourteen weeks since Mom passed away, I am happy to say that Mom would have loved all sorts of things that we have been doing lately. She would have loved the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, especially Harry Judd. She would have loved watching Roger Federer win the ATP World Tour Finals. And she would have loved hearing about the wonderful black tie retirement dinner we went to on Friday night.

It was one of those unashamedly old-fashioned, understated posh events. There were some charming older men with their quiet wives, not in black tie but in smart suit. They represent a dying breed of professionals, loved and respected. I enjoyed meeting them. I was seated next to an eccentric chap, so bright he could be a little weird, but thoroughly entertaining in an anarchic sort of way. The food was delicious, no flash snails in porridge, simply smoked salmon, roast lamb and vanilla creme brulee. We were very satisfied. 

And then came the harpist. By Royal Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales! She played beautifully and chatted about her travels with the Royals. Mom would have loved it.

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