It reminded me that life is all of it, the good, the bad and the ugly (along with a many other adjectives, but you get the point)
This table cloth was started by my grandmother in 1953 and continued by my mother after my grandmother passed. Christmas and New Years my grandmother would have family and friends sign it. Then she would embroider over the signature. Immediate family included pets names as well(obviously). There are our young signatures as kids and our adult signatures all grown up and some with our married last names. Our children have shown up once they were old enough to sign it. They are the great grandchildren of the woman who started it all. After 60 years the table cloth has seen many changes with people who have come in and out of the lives of our family members. There are the ex-wives and ex-girlfriends of my cousin and uncle. There are friends so dear and some friends not so much.
The conversation over cards then turned to 'Who is signature worthy?' and it reminded me of Seinfield and Elaine's classification of men. Either they were 'sponge worth' or they were not.
Now, I know there are a few signatures I would rather not remember but, we all came to the same conclusion. The table cloth is a true history of us. The ex's, the friends not as dear as they once were and then the treasure trove of signatures of all the special family, friends and pets who have touched us and left their imprint on our hearts and souls.
My grandmother didn't judge who was signature worthy, she just had them sign and thankfully so as we are left with a true family treasure and a unique view of our history. In blogging or scrapbooking, you can omit and overlook things you would rather not recall. Remembering the not so good can be just as important as remembering the good. It tells you where you have been and shows you where you are going.
Happy New Year!
