You know that question people ask sometimes – if your house was on fire, and you only had time to take one thing with you, what would it be? I know exactly what I would take. I keep it in my closet and pull it out regularly, especially when it’s cold. My most treasured possession is not particularly beautiful. It’s not luxurious, rare or valuable. I just checked, and you can buy one just like it for $129.
This treasure of mine never fails to immediately engulf me with warmth and comfort. It’s been with me everywhere I’ve called home, from North Carolina to New York to California. It reminds me of where I come from and the wonderful mother I had the gift of spending almost 18 years with. Not long enough by any stretch, but long enough to know her unconditional love, to learn from her to put family first, to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, to live with optimism, to treat others with kindness, and to always have confidence in myself.
It was a gift from above as I received it after she was already gone. Knowing that she had limited time left, she had ordered one for me and one for my sister before she died. She sent them to our aunt with instructions to give them to us for Christmas as she knew she would not make it to December.
It brings me right back to the love and safety of my childhood. Like me, my mom was always cold and all bundled up in the house, usually in one of her favorite L.L. Bean sweaters. Our tradition every Monday night was snuggling under blankets to watch ‘Little House on the Prairie’ together.
Her favorite blanket was made of red wool. I’m not sure what ever happened to it. But, that’s OK. Because you see, I have my own. She made sure of it. The gift that I received that first Christmas without her was a red plaid wool L.L. Bean blanket.
A mother’s love and lessons stay imprinted on our hearts no matter how many years pass. My beloved blanket was her last tangible gift to me. I’m not quite sure how I got so lucky to have such an incredible mom. I carry her with me always. And, if I ever need a little extra warmth and comfort, well, my blanket is always there – just as she intended.