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Decorating with Memories

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Unique Ways to decorate with memories

With a heavy heart…

About 20 years ago, my parents decided to move where my husband & I had began our lives together because they were searching for a fresh start, had visited often, and enjoyed what Michigan had to offer.  At the time I was busy with work, a new (old) house, and was preparing to have children.

After our girls were born, both my parents helped us out a lot and eventually followed us down South and back up North during my husband’s transfers.  Here we are 20 years later and our girls are teens preparing for college, my husband is stationary in his position as a lawyer, and me…well-you already know what I do.

My parents however, are now heading towards 82 this year and we decided it would be best to move them to an apartment closer to us (they are currently 30 minutes away).  The house they are in can be a lot of work, and between that and the distance, it’s just too much for all of us.  Well, we searched and searched for the ideal retirement community, but the affordable nice ones have a very long waiting list.  We finally came to the difficult decision that moving my parents back home to NY to be by my sisters would be best since there was a nice retirement community availability there.  It will also be very nice for my sisters to be able to spend some nice time with my parents.

The packing has begun, the truck we’ll be driving their belongs in has been reserved, and the last get together at our house has been planned.  No more shopping dates with my Mom, or chicken biscuits with my Dad.  We’ll miss them at all the band concerts for the girls, and holidays will be quiet.

So, now you know why my heart is so damn heavy.  I’ve had my parents with me the majority of my life and now it’s time to set them free.  Isn’t that crazy?  I’m setting my parents free at age 46?  That’s what it feels like folks.  Oh, I know I should be grateful for the time I have had, and I am.  Still…that doesn’t make it any easier, and actually makes it more difficult.  I’m kind of feeling like a 5 year old the first day of kindergarten, only this time I know they aren’t coming back.

So…with my teary eyes, and red nose, I thought it was perfect timing to share all of the ways I decorate with memories.  Honestly, when you get down to it…that ceramic candle you bought at Target, or that fancy pillow for your couch don’t really mean a damn thing.  In the end, all that matters, and all we can take with us, is our memories.  Memories are the little keys that open our hearts to love.  Cherish them, talk about them, decorate with them.

Here’s how…

Illuminated Photo Doorphoto door

DIY Christmas Light Frame

DIY Light Photo Frame

Photo Lantern

lantern mom

Photo Armoire

Photo Armoire

DIY Keepsake Box

DIY Keepsake Box by redheadcandecorate.com

Thrift Store Love Letter Platter

Love Letter Platter

Doodled Memory Bench

DIY Doodled Memory Bench


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11 Responses

  1. Kristin says:

    My heart is hurting right along with you. What a heartfelt post! I love all your ideas, but am really drawn to the lamp, serving plate and bench. Great ideas for gifts as well! Thank you for sharing!

  2. Kristin says:

    My heart is hurting right along with you. What a heartfelt post! I love all your ideas, but am really drawn to the lamp, serving plate and bench. Pinning ideas to my gift ideas Pinterest page. Thank you for sharing!

  3. dad says:

    Thanks for everything, love, Dad

  4. Laurie says:

    What a beautiful and loving post! And you are exactly right. Family and time spent together is the most important gift we can share!! It won’t be the same. But phone calls(old school style!?!) do help!

  5. Kimmer says:

    What a beautiful post! I think that it’s a great tribute to family and a great way to heal the heart.

  6. dad says:

    I always have an ans for everything, not this time, love, Dad

  7. Rick says:

    Sweet post Cita. ❤️

  8. […] the time to combat that by framing your home with pictures and designs that you love. Creating a memory wall or framing more photos of loved ones, or simply using beloved wall art or incorporating your […]

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