Saturday, September 1, 2012

Lunch money and my mom

You know, I’ve been thinking about my mom lately. It seems like every little thing sends me reeling down memory lane. When I read Sian’s suggested topic for this month’s round of Storytelling Sunday, there was a flood of school day memories, and they all included my mom.

My story today involves lunch money and a handkerchief.


I don’t remember that the school lunch lady called my mom one day to say "Debbie forgot her lunch money” but my mom tells the story, so I tell it today. Mom told the lunch lady, “No she didn’t. It’s tied in the handkerchief that’s pinned to her dress.”


What I do remember is the handkerchief – the coins tied tightly in one corner, and then pinned to the left side of my dress. How on earth I could have forgotten that it was hanging there I’ll never know. And how I made it through the first grade without being chastised by my classmates for wearing a folded handkerchief pinned to my clothes every day is a mystery.

My brother {Ronnie}, sister {Valerie}, and Me {with the lunch money hanky}

That little hanky pinned to my dress held my lunch money every day, but there was something else it held – a little bit of my mother’s love and her never-ending quest to make sure I was taken care of. Never again will I wear a handkerchief pinned to my chest, but I will always have a bit of my mom’s love, right there, always.

And I won’t ever need a lunch lady to remind me of that!

For more stories on this Sunday,

38 comments:

Irene said...

What a lovely story Deb. No one can ever take away these wonderful memories of your childhood and your parents. My prayers are going your way and for your mom. Hoping you have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story beautifully told and what a lovely memory x

Maria Ontiveros said...

So beautiful and full of love - just like your mom.
Rinda

Amy said...

Deb your story, and photos I must say, are a beautiful tribute to your Mum's love - really beautiful.

Jane said...

this brought a tear to my eye, lovely memories.

scrappyjacky said...

What a wonderful story,Deb.

Missus Wookie said...

Oh what a sweet story - and so cool that you still have the hanky and pin!

Lisa-Jane said...

That is such a heartfelt story! Its lovely that you still have that hanky too. I've never heard of pinning the lunch money on like that but its actually a great idea!

Miss Smith said...

This is such a wonderful memory and so beautifully told. And how wise of your Mum.

Irene said...

This is a beautiful memory and to have a photograph to preserve that memory is something special. Your photographs are lovely. Sometimes it is the little daily things I remember about my mum that remind me how much I was loved. Enjoy your weekend. Irene

Sian said...

A sweet. sweet story - which I love and which made me smile because there is another little bit to my school lunch story which I couldn't squeeze in. On the first day I started at the school my Mum sent me a special snack wrapped up in a hanky, like she had done at my old school. But when the teacher saw me opening it up, she snatched it away - no breaktime snacks were allowed at the new school..I'll never forget that.

Thanks for sharing your story today Deb

debs14 said...

What an emotional story today, and what a lovely memory to have of how much love your mum has to give in so many different ways.

Alison said...

I have tears in my eyes and in my heart for you today Deb..what a lovely memory
Hugs
Alison xx

Alison said...

I have tears in my eyes and in my heart for you today Deb..what a lovely memory
Hugs
Alison xx

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

What a sweet story and the second one to bring tears to my eyes today. Beautifully told x

Abi said...

Beautiful story. Praying for you and your special mum. xx

helena said...

beautiful - what a resourceful lady your mum is

Cheri said...

I carried my lunch in a lunch box. But there was always a dime taped inside so I could call home if I missed my bus. It was a six block walk to the bus stop and back in those days kids walked themselves!

Patty Branco said...

I wouldn't eat in the cafeteria (brat), so my Mom would pack me a lunch.And after my lunchbox inevitably broke, (they didn't make the Partridge Family box too sturdy!), we'd switch to lunch bags...and my Mom always included a sweet in my lunch and she always drew a happy face on the bag next to my name. Once, Ellen P. told us we had a good Mom because she put lettuce on our sandwiches....but that wasn't the only reason. Miss you Mom!

Unknown said...

How emotional and evocative. I love that you have a photo of it and those photos enhanced the story so much. Best wishes to you.

Becky said...

This is a wonderful story and I just love the photograph.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

what a sweet remembrance. thanks for sharing this with us.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Wonderful story and it is great you still have the handkerchief & the pin. I know I would have lost so many handkerchiefs from fiddling with the pins.

Kirsty.A said...

A lovely story - and a lovely photo to go with it

Ruth said...

A wonderful story, Deb and one so full of love. xx

Mel said...

Bless - such a touching little story. It's like when mom's spit on a hanky to wash your face - they think they're doing the right thing.

Elizabeth said...

Ah, I love your story, and the photos are wonderful. I also remember having a handkerchief pinned to my school uniform. My aunt had crocheted lace all around the edges, and it held my milk money.

Lou said...

awww a cute photo and a lovely story!

Valerie said...

Lovely story and great pictures!

Lizzie said...

The "little memories" are often the most powerful, Deb. Those small gestures that remind us we are cherished and cared for.
How lovely that your mum took the trouble to make sure you always had your lunch money.
Great that you still have the little brooch pin (and hankie?).
A lovely memory - thank you for sharing with us.
Marti is a special person, for sure!

Mom said...

You did a great job tying the money and folding the hankie--just like the "olden" days. Love that picture of my 3 babies, oh, I just plain old love my babies! Thanks for lifting my spirits and making me weep--how is that possible? And all the precious comments! Love you, Sweetie! xo

Anonymous said...

Fantastic story, love it

Ginger said...

Deb, I really enjoyed reading your story and looking at the photos you have shared. Sometimes for lunch I would leave school and run to my grandma and grandpa`s for lunch :)

Beverly said...

What a precious memory, Deb and I am amazed that you are lucky enough to have a phtot in which you are wearing that hanky :) {{{hugs, my friend}}}

Scrappi Sandi said...

Oooh! This brought a tear to my eye....what a lovely memory & how amazing that you have that photo of you with the hanky!! :D

Jimjams said...

Fab story - and to actually have the photo with the hankie :o Well done!

Jennifer Grace said...

I love that you have a photo of you with the hanky attached. What a sweet way to take your money to school, and very clever of your mother to think of it. x

Anonymous said...

What a lovely memory and story Deb.

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