A Hug from Mom for Christmas

My loving Mother passed away unexpectedly 4 years ago and until this past summer, all of her clothes remained as they always had in her closet in my parents home where my Dad still lives in the house all of my siblings and I grew up in.  I knew he was ready to donate them to charity and wanted someone to be able to use Mom's clothes, but couldn't do this himself.  I spent the afternoon at my parents one day going through and sorting all of my Mom's clothes. It was a difficult task but also gave me a chance to relive seeing Mom in each of these items over the years.   I kept several of her nightgowns and robes and donated the remaining to Sharing Connections in our area.  I came up with the idea of making a "Comfort Pillow" for each of my family members (22 of us), with the help of my new seamstress friend, Kim, and Etsy who made individualized labels for my gift bags.  My Dad's was a Hug from Carol, my Siblings a Hug from Mom, and A Hug from Grandma for my parents grandchildren and great children.  I provided the robes and nightgowns, pillow fillers and zippers and Kim performed her magic.  I confess she and I shed a couple of tears together over the strong sentiment involved in this project to me.  No one in our family knew I was working on this these past few months.  After picking them up, packing them in my beautiful bags with red cardinals (great significance to our family), I labeled each one and wrote my own gift tags to each family member.  Christmas Eve I gathered our entire family in one room before Santa's arrival for the children.  With much emotion, I told everyone I had a special gift for each of them.  A Comfort Pillow from our Mom's clothes and each time we need a hug from Mom, we can hug our pillow.  There were many tears and hugs that night and I know my Mother is proud.  I couldn't be more proud of her.  Thank you Mom and thank you readers for allowing me to share my special story with you.  If you have lost a loved one, and wish to make a special gift from clothing, please check out Etsy or your local seamstress.  They can make beautiful pillows and blankets for you and your family.