I was trying to help sort through years of stuff when Deb, my 2nd step-mother told me she came across two pieces of my mother's jewelry; a watch that had long stop telling time (coincidence) and a pinky ring that had a few tiny diamonds missing.

​

that's how pieces of my mother's life appeared, random moments, nothing planned, no heads up, no preparation- just splat, in front of me. 

​

"I know it's not much or if you want it but we've been meaning to give these to you",  "may be we can add diamonds to the ring?" Deb offered.

​

I stared at the items. They weren't particularly my style but I don't have much of anything from my mother.

A black mini dress,

mustard colored petal pushers, a

pair of peace earrings,

a pair of black underwear that had her name  on it. (A strange gift that my parents gave me on a recent mother's day.)
 
My grandmother had saved my mother's wedding dress in a box not

appropriate for clothing storage. The white color had yellowed.

And even if I could get it cleaned, I never really thought about

wearing it. I did find it funny that the box was marked in black

marker that read "for Lindsey Blake 1984." Apparently grandma

wanted me to marry by 18 just as my mother had.

​

​

I collect whatever pieces

about my mother,

be it items or

stories.

 

I just collect remnants and stitch.

​

That day, when my parents gave me those pieces I cried.

​

"It's like if I get enough pieces of the puzzle,

 

She will be whole again....

and alive."

​

​