Linda Kulp Trout

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Grandma's Gift



Grandma's Gift

I don’t remember Grandma,
(She died when I was three.)
but I always think of her,
every time I see
my little figure skater     
dancing on our tree.

My skater’s dressed in purple.  
How did Grandma know  
that’s my favorite color?
(She made it long ago.)

I don’t remember Grandma
but I feel her close to me
when I see my skater dancing
on our Christmas tree.

©Linda Kulp Trout


This poem is a work-in-progress, but I wanted to post it today in memory of my grandmother.  It's been more than thirty-five years since my grandmother made each of us a little beaded figure skating tree ornament.  Mine danced on our tree every year as a beautiful reminder of my grandmother. Sadly, a few years ago, my skater mysteriously disappeared.  I searched and searched, but she was no where to be found. Our Christmas tree hasn't been the same without her.

Last week, I was telling my sister how much I miss my little skater.  Within a few minutes, my sweet sister sent me a picture.  I was happy to see that her skater is exactly like mine. Although it is not the same as having my skater on the tree,  at least I can look at the picture and remember.

I'm glad my sons were old enough to get to know my grandmother. But even if they had been too young to remember her, the little skater would tell them something about who she was.

A big thank you to my friend, Buffy for hosting today's Poetry Friday.

Wishing you and yours love, health, and happiness!
Happy Holidays!

18 comments:

  1. It's these little reminders that make the holidays so very special - the loved ones we've lost over the years somehow feel even closer this time of year.

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  2. What a sweet skater, both in the photograph and in your poem. That's such a treasure--glad your sister sent a photo and hope yours turns up.

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  3. I love seeing my tree ornaments every year. The broken or lost ones are like hollows in my heart. Yet, we always add new ones. :-)

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  4. How nice that your sister sent the picture, Linda, and perhaps someday, your own skater will appear in a long-forgotten box? I love the rhythm of your poem, a story that would be nice to illustrate! Happy Holidays!

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  5. Linda, isn't it amazing how such a small thing can spark such special memories. I have many such treasured items, too. I'm sorry yours went missing, but so glad your sister could send you a photo. On a lighter note--I'm imagining your tiny ballerina went on an adventure with some long ago tree. Or perhaps there was a romance (and elopement?) with a nutcracker prince ? Enjoy the holiday season.

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  6. I love that you found a way to ... deal with? manage? accept? ... this loss.

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  7. What a sweet, sweet memory. Those ornaments hold so much more than beads and string, don't they? I have some precious ornaments too. They bring those beloveds back to me and it is so, so sweet. Merry Christmas, Linda!

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  8. Such a sweet poem for an even sweeter memory. I'm glad you sister was able to send you a picture and hope your skater turns up one day.

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  9. Your poem reminds me of the character "Ollie" in the book "Ollie's Odyssey" by William Joyce. Ollie is a plush toy and a favorite, maybe you're familiar with it. Thanks for sharing your poem and memories. I hope your little skater turns up. Happy Holidays Linda!

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  10. Linda, at least you have your memories of the little ornament and a photo. Christmas is a special time of year to share our memories.

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  11. Awwww. Such memories attached to each ornament for all of us, Linda. Thank you for sharing yours with us. Happy everything!

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  12. You'll love her all the more when she finally reappears! (And she will...)

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  13. Oh, I have ornaments like that from my grandmother! I smile every time I catch a glimpse of them on the tree. I have lost a few over the years, due to small hands that only wanted to help. Such a sweet tribute poem to someone so special.

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  14. Oh, Linda, I'm so sorry the ornament disappeared! How lovely to have a picture and the memories. May it still turn up someday! Beautiful poem--especially the final stanza. Love.

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  15. That is a wonderful memory, and now you have grown a poem with it! I have special ornaments that I love placing on the tree each year. Most treasured are an angel made by my mom and a milkweed pod Santa made by our daughter about 40 years ago -very fragile!You've given me an idea. I have three little pipe cleaner dolls made by my Nana. Thanks to you, they are coming out of the cedar box and dancing to the tree!

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  16. I'm so sorry your little skater went missing. Your poem is so full of love, it brings her vividly to life.

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  17. It's been at least five years since we had a Christmas tree. Opening the boxes of ornaments and savoring all those memories after that long away from them was especially sweet this year.

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  18. Oh, this dear sweet poem. I love it. Sending you skater-finding-vibes, Linda. Much love to you and yours this Christmas. xxoo

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