Remember that half the joy of achievement is in the anticipation.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

A rag wreath of hope...


Remember rag wreaths? LOL! This is the very first rag wreath I ever made. We had just become a "family" and moved into the first home we shared as a blended family. My youngest girls room was a blank slate and it needed some serious "girl-y-fying". I remember asking her to choose her colors and she chose "blue, pink, and yellow". Above is the first thing that went on her wall. She was six years old when I made this. She's now a senior in high school getting ready to graduate.
How is it that time speeds by so quickly?
I remember bending the hanger, cutting the strips of fabric and tying them on, one by one by one by one...Each strip filled with love and serious "hopes". The hopes I had as a new wife, as a mother praying that my girls and new hubby would come to love each other, hoping/praying that the choices I made were really the best ones for all of us. Not just for me, but for my little girls too. The hopes that were tied into this wreath were deep.
Our family did blend and we've made a good life for all of us. We are blessed. It's been an adventure, to say the least. The "hope" wreath had stayed on my youngest daughter's wall up until today. Today, we took it down, dusted it off and it now hangs just outside the front door, on our stoop. It will welcome all who enter and always remind me how the hopes I had, turned into truth and how the love I prayed for, multiplied.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I remember the rag wreaths. Yours is very lovely. What memories of the time in your life when you made it too. God has blessed you richly. Hope you enjoy the rest of your day.

Susie Homemaker said...

Awww...I love this story!

Blessings,
Susie

Tracy said...

What a beautiful memory, you gave me chills. I feel the passing of time just as keenly. Impossible as it seems my little birds are leaving the nest one by one, and I can't figure out where the time went. Your wreath is still beautiful, your daughter picked out pretty colors!

The Raggedy Girl said...

What a lovely memory. Thank you for sharing it.

From Roberta Anne- The Raggedy Girl

Knitty said...

That is a wonderful story. The wreath was pretty before I read about your daughter and your blended family. Now it is even lovelier.

Anonymous said...

Sweet story, Rechelle! I love your rag wreath and yes, I remember them!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Dixie said...

what a beautiful little work of art... and of love...

hugs. Dixie

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

What a lovely idea - I think I need a wreath of hope for Don and me.

Anonymous said...

That's very pretty. I've never seen a rag wreath before!

Ali @ A Cosy Life

LINDA BYLSMA said...

Each piece of fabric represents and prayer answered. I'm so glad you are still using it as a welcome to those who visit. What a lovely story, and so well expressed.

Neabear said...

I love this wreath. It is still so pretty. I would still use it too if it was mine. It would fit in my living room.

Unknown said...

What a sweet story and I'm so glad it has a happy ending! That takes a lot of work, hope and love to make a blended family work! Good for you.

Laura said...

What a beautiful memory. It touched my heart.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Laura

Heidi Pocketbook said...

What a sweet post, Rechelle. I still have an Easter rag wreath!