I have an ancient copy of Little women. Inside it's battered cover, on the first page you will find three names: Fern Gullickson, Sharon Lawrence and Jennifer Whistle. These are the maiden names of my grandmother, aunt and myself. My grandmother & aunt have passed away and this book remains, a sweet remembrance of them both.
The book fell into my hands as a young girl and until recently it sat unread. I've always been nervous that it would come apart in my hands as I turn the pages. I finally decided to take a leap of faith and Emma and I have been spending evenings cuddled up, gently reading this precious gift. I love feeling the connection to generations before me who have shared this same experience. When we are finished I will let Emma add her name inside the cover so that her love of reading can connect her to those that came before her.
Oh-I love it-I have a battered old copy too from when I was a kid. I read that book probably 4 times when I was younger. I was fascinated by the whole scene of Mama sewing by candlelight and the trials they went through...and the illness...and there being nothing that could be done in that day. It is probably time for a re-read and I'm betting my Little Lulu is just about ready. Thanks for the memory. What a precious, precious treasure you have-all the more so because of the heritage that is attached. Sunday blessings- Diana
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful keepsake for the two of you to share! Precious
ReplyDeletememories are made from moments like these!
Jen, what memories you are creating with your daughter. I have only one vintage book from my childhood but will pass it on to my DD. I love too read - it is my passion. Just think your daughter will probably do the same thing with her DD in the future. I watch the film version every winter when its snowing outside. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you posting.
Hugs,
Connie
Such a sweet and loving post! Emma will surely treasure this book and the time you spent together reading it...:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure! I can imagine your daughter telling this story to her child and so on... Have a wonderful Sunday!
ReplyDeletethat is the bees knees....i'm inspired!
ReplyDeletexoxo!
This is a sweet post. I'm glad you have chosen to "use" this piece of your family history. Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to "save" everything that we forget to enjoy our precious keepsakes.
ReplyDeleteChris
PS-also a fabulous book, of course.
It's a beautiful old book. A very nice idea. I keep thinking I should read Little Women, but never have.
ReplyDeleteOh,this is such a sweet moment. A patchwork quilt of life. How lovely for you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and precious treasure - the book, the fact that it's been passed on through the generations, and that you are reading it with your Emma.
ReplyDeleteYou are officially the Cat's Meow.
ReplyDeleteWhat a priceless treasure! "Little Women" is my all time favorite book. My grandma gave me a hardback copy when I was in third grade and I cherish that book still.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet treasure to pass on. Jackie
ReplyDeleteThat's priceless Jen - priceless! I've never read the book (I know!) but I've seen the movie. 'Tis why Aaron calls me Marmie. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI have the same book and it is over 70 years old! What a lovely book it is! You are such a good Mom. I assume you read it with your older daughter as well? I'm sure you did! That's 2 more names for the book!!
ReplyDeleteWow!! How beautiful! I love old books..there's nothing like it! A waht a special treasure to pass on! I love it!! I've never read the book, I've always wanted to. Now that I'm not working I have time to read it and I tried to find it at the library but they didn't have it! Hopefully next time! Thanks for sharing such a special memory with us!
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet tribute to all of the "little" and big women in your life.
ReplyDeletexo
elyse
Jen..what a memory making moment that will be ..adding her name!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us!!
Cindy from Rick=Rack and Gingham
Very, very nice!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful book and what a special memory you are creating with your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI have a precious copy of Little Women given to me by my aunt when I was a little girl. I treasure it to this day! Enjoy snuggling up and reading-this has long been a favorite book of mine!
ReplyDeleteThat's the best kind of family heirloom. Enjoy reading it with your little girl!
ReplyDeleteI love Little Women! I read it a long time ago, but had both of the girls read it last year. I only wish I had thought of cuddling up with them and reading it together the way you did. As soon as the weather gets a little cold, I pop the movie in and curl up with some craft project to begin the season. This is my all time favorite movie! I wore out a VHS version and have began to leave my marks of wear on a DVD. I still cry over Beth, wish Lawry ended up with Joe and want to give Amy a good talkin' to.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Heather
How wonderful that you have that well loved book and that you are reading it with Emma...a very sweet treasure.
ReplyDeleteI think of you often...
xo,
annie
What a beautiful post. I love
ReplyDeletethe fact that you are sharing
this wonderful gift with your
daughter. What treasured
memories!
Becky
I love Little Women! What a sweet post. ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful heirloom for the ladies in your family.....love it. I'm with Jayme - never read the book. Perhaps it should go on my list right after The Help.
ReplyDeleteI love that you and your daughter are reading "Little Women" together. It's a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThe book I had in common with my Grandmother was "The Five Little Peppers". She gave me a copy of the book when I was in 5th grade. Still have it and will cherish it always.
that is awesome
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful priceless treasure...both the book and the image of you two reading together. so wonderful.
you are a good mommy jen
xo
Jen,
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and saw your posting about your mom. May God's mercy embrace you every day. You said your mom read your blog every day and thought that you were great. Just from the little I've read of your blog...I'd have to say your mom was right!
Love and Blessings
Gloria McAllister
Roanoke, Virginia
gloria.mcallister@roanoke.com
I love "Little Women" it's one of my favorites. I have several vintage copies, and love them all. What a great thing to be able to share from generation to generation. I will have to start this tradition with my little girl, thanks for the inspiration. : ) Carrie
ReplyDeleteA truly lovely family treasure
ReplyDeleteBooks are so special to me anyways...but add those sweet names to it and it is priceless!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog, and I love it! I, too, have a special copy of Little Women. It's not old, but my mother purchased it at the Alcott home in Concord just a few years before she passed away. I recently put it on my daughter's shelf to read together when she is old enough. So happy to have found someone with the same idea! :)
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