Not sure where to post these poems for gift giving

[sunshine]

~ My Mother's Apron ~

My mother's old checkered apron was a garment full and wide;
It filled its humble mission, and a million more beside.
'Twas made of 6-cent gingham, it was neither fine nor grand,
Just a plain and simple pattern, made by a busy hand.
It had a little cross-stitch along the bottom row
And two long strings that tied behind, in a hasty half-hitch bow.
It had no lace or ruffles, nor pretty appliqué,
But its simple, homey usefulness was an epic of the day.
'Twas used to shoo the flies,
'Twas used to wipe away the tears from weeping infant's eyes,
'Twas used to carry in the eggs, in leafy bowers,
And bring in half-drowned chicks caught in sudden showers.
'Twas used to snatch the hot kettles when a pot rag was not at hand,
To tighten on fruit jar lids when winter stores were canned.
'Twas used to gather garden stuff and peaches from the hill,
And many a mess of greens did Mother's apron fill.
Her hands were sheltered from the gale, beneath the sheltered fold,
And tiny feet nestled there on mornings bleak and cold.
'Twas a queenly garment and Mother was queen,
As memory brings back to me, 'twas a noble thing, I ween,
And when I wander at Heaven's throng, with robes so bright and fair,
I'll say the old checkered apron is what I want to wear.
- unknown

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #
~ MY ODE TO GRANDMAS APRON ~

I gaze at my modern kitchen
Appliances by the score.
Stashed in every corner, but nary a one as handy,
As the Apron Grandma wore.
Huge, made of sturdy cotton
Drab colored so spots would not show.
Held secure by a waist band
Tied with a ribbon and a bow.
The best multipurpose appliance
The world will ever know.
A supporter for the toddlers first steps
A hider for Childish fears.
A wrapper on chilly evenings
A remover of Childish tears.
A basket for every collection
grain, eggs or baby chicks.
The flowers for the mantel
Cobs, kindling or buffalo chips.
The vegetables from the garden
Or sweet corn from the gield.
A protector from hot pans or dishes
At the stove a good heat shield.
A communication signal
to the workers on the farm.
To say that it is meal time
Or to carry an alarm.
A driver of foul from garden
or flies from an opening door.
The dust from the parlor table
or crumbs to the kitchen floor.
A curtain for shadeless windows,
A frost guard for tender plants.
A cradle for sleepy babies
A tanner for impish scamps...
These are some of t he uses
of that implement of yore.
That best of all piece of equipment
The Apron that Grandmother wore.
So I gaze at my Modern Kitchen
A gadget for every chore
and ADMIT they are not as convenient
as THAT Apron that Grandma wore!
This really brought back a fond memory of my Grandma
and her apron . I can see it now. Haven't worn an
apron for years and think I will make now, So I can
pass on a memory for my grandchildren also.

Use a simple bear pattern, sewing it out of clothing from the loved one
who has passed away.

Print the poem on a small card stock and gave it with the bear along with
the little medallion around it's neck with the dates and name on back (I
used Grandpa, brother,Mom, etc) on the back and "In Loving Memory" on the
front with a little flower.

~ The Memory Bear ~

The fabric of this teddy bear
Is so dear to you and me.
It's from a piece of clothing worn by Grandpa *(see below)
Don't you see.
So hug this little teddy
Closely to your heart,
To help you to remember,
That in love, we never part.
- Bonny Sattler
*(substitute a name here, or Grandma, Mama, Daddy, Sister, Brother, etc.)

[gkp1031]

These are great!

[Guest1]

hmmm....I have a few of my Dad's flannel shirts....I should make each of the kids a teddy for Christmas.....frugal & sentimental - just like he would've wanted it!

Thanks bunches!