Saturday, July 10, 2010

The Sweetness of Tradition....

Sixty years ago my Oma in Holland made this dress for her first Grandchild's Christening. I wore it for my Christening too.

The story of the gown is as touching as the memories it has created. There was great poverty after the war and the luxury of fabrics for a Christening gown was something she could only dream about.

With great determination and great sacrifice, my Oma created this gift with love and devotion.

My Mother has tenderly cared for it all of these years and was happily waiting for the day that her Great-granddaughter would share in the tradition of wearing the gown.

Clare could not have looked more angelic......

....and my Mom could not have looked more proud.

There were tender kisses from her Great Oma......

.....more kisses from her adoring Oma.

Even Auntie Meghan joined in the hugs and joy of this special day.

There was a wonderful meal that we all shared and a dessert that Clare seemed most interested in!

It was all a bit exhausting for our little girl and she later took a restful nap.

There is something so touching in family traditions. When the day was over my Mom cried a few tears and said that she wished her Mom could have been there to share this joy.

I am certain that she was.....and I know she said a sweet prayer for our bitty Clare,
her great great granddaughter who was blessed to wear this gown.

The lovely gown that even generations later has deep meaning and connects a devoted past with a joyous future.

7 comments:

Meghan said...

This is my favorite post yet. What a special day! Now I think I'll go get myself another piece of cake to remember it by. :)

SheilaC said...

Annelies, how special to have that dress in your family, to remember your ancestors....
the dress was gorgeous, you would never know all the generations who shared it!

Sheila

Jacqueline Korteland Boller said...

Clare looked adorable in that antique dress!

Pam said...

Such a lovely post ...Clare looked beautiful in the dress.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a sweet post! Clare is so lucky to now be a part of this tradition. Just beautiful.
I hope the gown I am sewing today has such a legacy. Audrey's special day is next Sunday.

Beverly said...

This is such a special story. I don't know why, but I am crying. What precious pictures and stories for Clare to hear as she grows up in her loving family.
That beautiful Christening gown worn by another generation is just too touching for words. Clare looks like the angel she is in her handed down gown.

Carol said...

Annelies that is the sweetest story...thank you so much for sharing it with us. Clare looked just beautiful on her special day with her very special dress.