Monday, August 31, 2009

heirlooms from the Omas

This weekend we went to visit Oma. I absolutely adore our time with her. She is so full of life and always so incredibly thoughtful. Her kindness is inspiring and she is one of my favorite people. I just want to sit and talk with her for hours.

We left her house with sweets and sekt to celebrate our anniversary and she also gave me a beautiful brooch, which I will always cherish. It made me think about my own Grandmother opening her jewelry box to me and the overwhelmed feeling I had. I didn't want to take her things. Once she passed away I was offered her wedding dress, however I was in junior high and I still regret not taking it. Oddly, I'd go through that feeling once again later in the day.

During our visit we also stopped to visit Stefan's cousin and his wife. I also wish we saw them more often, because we always have such a great time talking and laughing. They are clearing out the other Oma's home after she passed away on their wedding day last year. I cannot fathom having to go through someone's belongings after they pass. We left with some family photos (I can totally see how Stefan turned out to be so handsome), an old typewriter, a handwritten cookbook, and a sewing machine.

I was always sad I couldn't bring my own sewing machine from the US, but with different electricity and it weighing so much it's rather pointless. Hopefully I can figure out how to use hers, which is really built to last. I also want to try my hand at her recipes.

5 comments:

Abby said...

What lovely family heirlooms! I would love to leaf through that cookbook!

Jessica {lovely jubbly london} said...

I love old typewriters. What wonderful treasures to have and I'm sure one day your children and grandchildren will treasure them as well.

MBQ said...

That typewriter is amazing! Such a great find.

JoernandAllison said...

Going through a loved one's possessions is difficult, but the memories sometimes are so amazing. That is so nice that you have Stefan's grandma's sewing machine, you'll be able to make some heirlooms with the heirloom. That is a really sweet to help her memory live on. And, I can't wait to read about the recipes as well.
And the gifts from the other Oma were so sweet. She really seems like a thoughtful lady. Sounds like a special day!

Emily said...

Abby...
I'll have to make some of the cookies and share the recipes if they work out. The most difficult part is that there are no cook times / temps. It will be a bit of trial and error.

Jessica...
I was excited as well - it's so pretty. My mother in law has one that I've always admired, and now I have my own with a nice history too.

MBQ...
You need one too! I'm sure NYC has treasure troves of fun old things.

Allison...
I'm excited to try to figure things out with that sewing machine. At least I have something to work on once we're back. Oma certainly warms my little heart - I adore her!