This may sound silly, but going to T.J. Maxx for the first time since my mom passed away was a bit of a "thing" for me last week. We went there so, so many times together, and I found myself tearing up at the jewelry counter, always her first stop upon entering the store. Also, I often felt my mom brought me luck when we shopped together. Last week, however, it was just me and my Aunt Jane when I stepped inside the store, and I told myself, "You can do this." To my delight, the Carrollton store was just putting out the Christmas ornaments, and look what I found!
I've never even seen an Old Country Roses teacup ornament before, so this was a great find! And at $9.99, I thought it was a great price too. (This also happens to be my mother's china pattern, interestingly enough.)
While I'm well aware only the Lord can heal our deepest, truest wounds, I'm still a believer in a little retail therapy every now and then, and my mother was too. She always felt there was nothing a little shopping couldn't make better. When I visited her after I called off a very misguided engagement many years ago, she sent me off with a card and told me not to open it until I got home. Inside was a $100 bill and the note, "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!" I thought of that when I saw this tote bag at the T.J. Maxx checkout counter. Somehow, I think my mom would approve!
My mother and I shopped together often too. I don't believe there is anything harder than losing a parent. Keeping you in my prayers as you cope with the loss.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your feelings about your Mother. It took me 5 years to go places without tearing up,that I had done with her. It has been 25 years now and the pain has been replaced by the wonderful memories. How nice that you found the Tea Cup ornament and bag that day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornament, and how appropriate that it is your Mother's china pattern! I understand your feelings, too, and I'm glad you found some special treasures on this first shopping trip without your Mom's physical presence. That shopping bag is perfect, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a darling ornament and I love that it has such meaning for you. I'll definitely need to stop into my local TJ Maxx to see what treasures I can find.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the perfect thing for you! It takes time to get through grief at the loss of someone you love, and it's amazing the things that trigger the reaction. Sometimes something very small. But that's because of the blessing of how they were interwoven into the very fabric of your life. That ornament will bring smiles to you for years.
ReplyDeleteA hug from Ruth
Lovely Christmas ornament, and especially meaningful since it was your Mom's China pattern. I'd say your mama was very much a part of that shopping experience. Your memories of her will keep her alive your entire life.
ReplyDeleteOld Country Roses!
ReplyDeleteOur Royal Doulton store carries the teacups at times, but so far I have only bought the watering can and teapot ornaments in the Old Country Roses pattern.
ReplyDeleteThe more I hear about your mom, I think she was like a sister or girlfriend rather than a mother. And this is the type of relationship I have with our 2 daughters, it's awesome!
Shopping has always perked up my spirits too, maybe it's a woman thing that buying something new makes you feel good. :-)
Judith
I think your mom was there with you and Aunt Jane in spirit, guiding you to a lovely treasure.
ReplyDeleteI am sure your mother approved and may have been with you in spirit while you shopped. Peace
ReplyDeleteHello Angela, so glad that you and your Aunt Jane were able to go out - and how about finding a Christmas ornament in the Old Country Roses pattern? That's very sweet. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI found myself tearing up in the greeting card aisle at Publix. So many nice sentiments and beautiful artwork. I am thankful for the memories of my mom and I'm sure you are too. Take care, Joanie
What a touching story. And thanks for letting us know about the ornament.
ReplyDeleteI also loved shopping with my mother and she loved shopping every chance she got. Your mother was very wise...shopping can cure many things and God knows our hearts.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Oh my, what a wonderful way to remember your mother. Love the new ornament too. I think I will stop by the new TJ Maxx today. I need to browse and see if that ornament is there.
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