Earlier this summer I traveled back and forth three times to help clean out my parents’ lakeside home in Mississippi. I wrote about the sadness over leaving the home that has been a summer sanctuary for me in a slice a few weeks ago.
What I haven’t written about are the treasures we found. My parents had no recollection that my godmother’s estate had come to them. It was all buried in a brown envelope in a desk drawer in their bedroom. I had resolved to look at everything in the house and decide if it was to keep, to trash, or to sell. When I opened the envelope with the simple label “Hollingsworth,” I didn’t know what I would find.
It’s been years since my godmother died. I barely remember a visit to her when I was a teenager. I was afraid of her because of her age and her suffering. I never knew her as a healthy person, but I dearly loved her son. Bill was my father’s best friend and lived as a monk in Covington, Louisiana. He was small in stature but big in personality. He died in December, 2015. I miss visits with him.
My parents gave me a sculpture my godmother Jane had made and some sketches of her that her husband, William Hollingsworth, had drawn. But I knew nothing of the jewelry she left behind.
The most charming item of jewelry was a pearl ring. And it fit me perfectly. Pearls are one of my signature jewels because the name Margaret means “pearl.” Seems meant to be.
Another treasure I brought home with me was the portrait of my maternal grandmother. Again someone I didn’t know. She was Margaret Shields Liles, and she died three months before I was born. As I was named for her, the portrait passed to me. It was painted in 1943 when my mother was 7 years old. My mother remembers traveling to Memphis to have it done. I grew up with this image hanging first in my grandfather’s house, then in ours. The angel in a white dress cradling her violin became my guardian angel. Now, she hangs beautifully in my dining room.
There is a feeling of loss with these treasures. The wonderful women I never knew feel like a part of me in some small way. The passing of a legacy, a history. Treasures lost; treasures found.
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, Margaret. Life just passes through our fingers. You honor your family with these words. And wow do you favor your beautiful grandma, who also shares your pearl-name. xx
Amy, I was not prepared for this stage. Don’t know how I could have been. So much to process. Thanks for reading.
Treasures lost and found, indeed. Both the ring and the portrait are stunning, not just in their beauty but also in relation to you. I am glad they have come to you. The emotions of this post really speak to me – you’ve captured them beautifully & my mind is full of my own memories. Thank you for this.
I feel that is the most valuable thing about the Slice of Life community, connecting with others in an intimate way. Thanks!
Absolute treasures…I cannot imagine the sheer amount of emotion you’ve been plowing through along with the physical objects. The ring is precious. I hope you wear it every day to remember the connection…and Hollingsworth is a wonderful name for a future character! What a sweet story of your grandmother’s painting. Your mother…just seven…wow. We each have our one turn at this life. I love getting to see you share your turn so generously with others. Another treasure.
Thanks, Linda. As you know I’ve struggled with how to write about all of this. Your feedback means a lot.
Treasures lost and found. That says it all, doesn’t it? I hope you find some comfort in these beautiful objects that connect you to important women from your past.
I love reading about these treasures and discoveries. The portrait is beautiful and embodies a special narrative. And I’m so happy you shared a photo of the ring. I think about the cuticle of life. Our family heirlooms do tell stories and do connect and ground us.
Such a deeply personal slice. These treasures are not just valuable things, they carry history and emotions.
Definitely treasures. Love the pearls – love the match with Margaret! ❤