Sometimes recycling hits home in a way that is hard to handle. This current piece is the opened up bag, which originally contained the ashes, in a container, of Handsome Partner. The ashes long since scattered in a favorite place, the bag, a dark blue velveteen, has been sitting in the coat closet on a shelf, because it was such a dilemma. You can't toss such a thing. You can't use it as a bag, though it was designed as a drawstring bag, so it has sat there, causing a stab of pain when I went in for a coat.
Then today it occurred to me that HP would have been very amused to see it given a new lease on life. I cut it open, and have stenciled, in metallic turqoise and copper, a natural design. This will be a book cover, probably for my Douai bible. And there will be more fabric left over, to use for some other respectful kind of cover.
This feels much better. And handling it when I handle the bible, will feel good, too. But all the same, suddenly I feel very tired.
This is one of those momentous decisions we have to take alone, but please be assured that there are many of us standing silently beside you in spirit, respecting and applauding your decision, and wishing you the courage to do what you feel is right for you and the loving relationship you once had. We seem to close so many doors on what has been, but time gives us a new perspective so that closing one door opens up another chapter in our relationship with the person we loved, and still love.
ReplyDeleteTaking apart the bag and giving it a different look is a good idea, you still have it but without the constant reminder of what it was used for. x
ReplyDeleteI was a bit stuck for words as your blog has moved me so much, just to say I am thinking this is a good thing to do and a Bible cover is an excellent idea, whenever you pick it up it will bring lovely memories flooding back to you.
ReplyDeleteIt's emotionally exhausting figuring out what to do with the things that symbolize loved ones. Thanks for sharing with SMWYG!
ReplyDeleteA very appropriate use for a nice piece of fabric and your embellishment is lovely.
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