 This month I wanted to share the story of a special treasure in my life--my childhood rocking chair. Mom shared that she and 'your Father' bought this chair in 1961, coincidentally the year of my birth. As you can see, this walnut, New England style chair, is a classic beauty.  ❣ In the 1960s I may not have always remembered hanging out in this chair, being held by one of my parents, yet I have never forgotten the love and trust established in the act of rocking itself, along with teething to the sounds of country and western music. ❣ As a teenager, I worked out life's latest problems on this rocking chair, as my wise momma listened, really listened, with unconditional acceptance and an aura of good ol’ fashioned common sense. ❣ Over the years I knew my rocking chair was waiting for me with Mom. This chair was always welcoming, situated by a window with the warmth of the sun and surrounded by her lush houseplants. It was my safe zone for sharing tears, fears and plenty of giggles. Believe me, this chair got a work out and could share way more stories than memory serves, thank goodness! ❣ Whether visiting Mom through the year or gathering with the family at the holidays, her viewpoints and refreshing ability to keep issues uncomplicated were rocked into anyone who spent some time in this chair--really anywhere in her presence. ❣ I sat alone and rocked in my chair, crying, smiling, remembering Mom during the weeks after her death in May of 2010. ❣ Almost seven years later, this rocking chair has lived in our living room, continuing to provide a mother's comfort and healing to me. The time feels right to think of shifting the work of this chair back to establishing love and trust with a newborn baby and his or her loving parents. Dolly Parton: Rockin' YearsI ask you to consider the special stories of personal treasures accumulated along your life's journey. Share these stories, verbally or even in writing (which I warmly encourage), with the younger generations of your loved ones. As for me, my baby rocker will rock on, fairly soon. More on that marvelous matter later. ☺ Thanks to Henry for reminding me of a wonderful way to close my inspirations this month. The Harptones: Life Is But a DreamShoutOutsUntil next time, wishing you inspiration and plenty of smiles,
mar
36 Comments
Genna East
2/19/2017 11:56:18 am
Maria, your articles are always such a pleasure to rad. I love that NE style rocker...my mother had one exactly like it, although I think she inherited it from my grandmum. She also kept by a warm, sunny window, and her plants. So many problems were discussed and thought about, in peace, warmth and in love. I look forward to reading how "As for me, my baby rocker will rock on, fairly soon. More on that marvelous matter later." Hugs.
Dear Mareer,
paula
2/19/2017 12:31:35 pm
My God, Maria~~Inspiration? Yes, absolutely. And Nostalgia at it's most touching. As I read your beautiful shared memories, I could envision your wise mother cradling her precious baby & rocking with comfort & love. Too sweet. 2/19/2017 01:15:42 pm
Ah, yes. the rocking chairs were such a part of my growing up, too. I had two kid sized ones of my own. Mother had a 'sewing rocker' and Dad had a huge man-sized rocker. Lovely memories, Maria! Thanks for sharing!
Mike
2/19/2017 01:38:18 pm
Hello mar. You have shared many sweet, and bittersweet memories in this Inspiration Station. Of course you selected the perfect music to accompany this piece. Mar, this weeks inspiration, ( Rocking Chair ) brought a flood of memories. I remember having my own rocking chair as a child. I went there in happy times and was sent there when I was ordered to take a time out. There's another rocking chair that was precious, it belonged to my beloved sister Bea. When she passed away I gave it to my sister Virgie for a new grandchild that was coming. When I think about that chair, I envision a big smile on Bea's face. Thank you for sharing memories. Aren't they wonderful? Hugs...
Oh, those rocking chairs used to attract me like a flower attracts bees. Unfortunately, children were never allowed to sit on them, not to talk about rock. 2/19/2017 09:14:55 pm
Prof. Mahreer,
Pamela Oglesby
2/20/2017 05:18:05 am
I love your stories. This is such a heart touching tale that recounts precious memories. 2/20/2017 10:03:57 am
Aw, that is so sweet. I misted up reading this story. Wonderful memories attached to a piece of wood, and really, isn't that what love does? It has the power to bring to life the inanimate and I find that glorious. Hey kid, rock and roll, rock on, my soul. So good that you've decided to share the legacy of your rocking chair, imbued with memories of good things and thoughtful times, with another generation. Sending this item along to a new family to start a new set of memories is admirable, although I understand how difficult it will be for you to let it go. I'm at that point, too, where I want these treasured items I've salvaged from the past to go on living in the home of someone who will cherish them as I have. This was a great story to share, Mar.
Lesley
2/20/2017 03:25:05 pm
Hi Mar, loved reading about your rocking chair. I am so use to seeing mine sat in the corner that I had forgotten it's been with me for about 30 years. Wow, loads of memories! Best wishes to you. 2/20/2017 04:17:35 pm
Oh Maria, what a beautiful story of your rocking chair and the wonderful memories it holds for you. My guess is your passing this on to a grandchild and will still be part of the rocking chair legacy. Thanks for sharing.
Gail Sobotkin
2/22/2017 03:38:06 pm
As with all your inspirational posts, I enjoyed this story and could "feel" the peace and comfort this particular rocker has always brought you. It's especially lovely that you can feel your mom's presence even since her death. The gentle rocking motion, the bundled memories, the knowing it will always be there to bolster your spirits or bring a few moments of peace are priceless. Sending Love & Blessings, Gail
Audrey Hunt
2/28/2017 07:23:40 pm
Your inspiring post brought back tender memories of my little rocking chair. As a child I rocked away difficult times with the soothing feel of my rocking chair. Thank you precious one for this story. Hugs and love,
Shauna
3/20/2017 12:34:41 pm
Mar, this post really hits home with me. Many, many years ago my parents went to a restaurant in Tennessee. Inside the front door was a glider rocking chair that my mom fell in love with. She convinced the owners to sell it to her. Years later she gave it to me. I used to pull it outside and situate it under a tree in my front yard, open the windows and play my albums, with my Ashley kitty (now deceased) rocking in the chair with me. Then, in 1992, my son was born. It became the chair I nursed him in and rocked him to sleep. Today, it sits in my living room by the window and has been taken over by my cats. (Axel thinks it's his own personal space). I have very fond memories of that chair and will one day pass it down to my son. Leave a Reply. |
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