Jul 23, 2020

AND THEN I REMEMBERED WHOSE DAUGHTER I AM

There wasn't much left.

Four pieces of needlepoint and about a dozen other framed pictures.

My blessing came in the form of Rich and Cheryl carefully taking the things from my shaking hands and putting them in my car.

I spoke two words.

How much?

"Just pay me what you want", Kristine said.

And so I did.

I paid her nothing, and I got in my car and I drove away.

When I got home, I made a $500 donation to St Margaret's House in South Bend. A legitimate women's charity.

"In memory of Bob and Sig Rich and in gratitude for their legacy."






51 comments:

  1. Well done. Congratulations on doing exactly the right thing.

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  2. Good for you, Coni, Much Love, Ann from the other side of the pond xx

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  3. I'm so glad you were able to get some of the belongings and justly so at no cost. Kudos to you!

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  4. Well Done Coni. You made it through this horrible experience and you were able to save some of you family's precious items. Now.....you must, for your own sake, shake the dust from your sandals and move forward with your treasures and your treasured memories.

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    1. Well said. YOU are your parents’ heritage. I hope you are now at peace.

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  5. I've been thinking of you all morning, and I'm so happy to hear you were able to retrieve a few precious items. I'm sorry you had to endure such a horrible experience, but I loved that you gave a wonderful donation in your parent's names. I'm sure your parents were (and are) so proud of you. I hope you can leave that awful experience behind and move on with a feeling of peace. Take care of yourself.
    Mary

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  6. I'm glad you were able to get some things. You did the right thing.

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  7. So glad you were able to get some items!

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  8. You are a class act. I am so happy that you were able to find some of your Mom's beautiful needlework. I agree with Theresa Y...shake the dust off your feet and move forward. Blessings to you and JB.

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  9. You took the highest of roads. I hope pray that every time you look at those beautiful pieces you'll feel a sense of peace, focusing on what you have and where you are going.

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  10. Bravo, Coni! You are a bigger person than I would have been. Please find peace and comfort in those pieces of art and know that your parents are smiling down on you. You are a good daughter and you made them proud. God bless you.

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  11. Magnanimous....your noblesse oblige is a lesson to all of us
    in what matters in life, Coni dear. Your Parents must be so
    proud of your grit and loyalty. May you carry on knowing that
    discarding this ugly episode from your memory will enable you
    to discover and fully experience the rewards that await you.
    You are one special someone.

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  12. Perfect! Enjoy your treasures.

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  13. I'm happy for you that you were able to get some things. I'm heartbroken for the pain this has caused you. May today be a day of memories and may you have peace.

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  14. So happy you were able get these precious keepsakes that were rightfully yours. You did the right thing. I pray that you can heal from this hurt and move on with peace in your heart.

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  15. While I'm sure you're glad to have gotten a few pieces, I understand you might still be very upset at the pieces you weren't able to get...possibly pieces that were of more value to you. It's an upsetting situation. Big hugs, Coni.

    Love,
    Violet

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  16. Good for you for driving away! (hugs)

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  17. Your mom and dad would be proud (now I would've probably shown out - you are better lady than me!).

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  18. Good for you. This should have never happened to start with, but I am glad that you stood up for yourself.

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  19. Bless you. Holding you in my heart at this painful time.

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  20. Classy ending to your tale. Love it!

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  21. So glad you were able to get something. Loved that fact that you had a great comeback for her. Did she know who you were?

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  22. Beautiful items and I see where you get your artistic talent. I am glad you were able to get the few things you could and admire your spirit. Looks like they are right at home where they belong.

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  23. Classy lady to the end! So proud and happy for you!

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  24. Job well done,Coni. Your parents would be proud of you. Glad you could retrieve some of those treasures.
    Donation a great idea.

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  25. You showed incredible strength and grace in a horrible situation! I have made a donation to St. Margaret House in your honor.

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    1. What a thoughtful gesture, Patricia. I am going to look into that too. It sounds like a wonderful organization doesn't it.

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  26. Oh what lovely photos that you rescued. The needlepoint is beautiful. I think they should have paid you! But you have some treasure back. With me I had hurt so much and then I looked on it as if there had been a fire, the things would have been gone and something is better than nothing. My brother has been allowed to take so many precious things - my mother even gave him my wedding present from my grandfather that was at her house for safe keeping until we had a bigger house and room for it. It was a clock that used to chime (loudly) and he always hated it.
    I am so very happy for you and what lovely people to help you load things into the car. Well done and they look fabulous in pride of place. Where they belong. love from me xx

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  27. You are an amazing woman and I'm certain your beloved parents are beaming with pride. Give your JB a hug. He's a good man.

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  28. Was thinking about you! Well done on rescuing the pieces you were able plus the grace you showed while there.

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  29. P.S. your Mom was beautiful and you sure do resemble her. Your dear Dad looks like a spunky character. Hugs to you Coni

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  30. Good for you!!! I wouldn't have had that much class! Kudos and I a so glad you got something....

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  31. Beautiful, Your Mom and Dad are proud of you.

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  32. I am so happy you were able to get some of your mom's stitched pieces! Beautifully and perfectly done. Sending you love and hugs.

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  33. Well done! I made a small donation also.

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  34. As said before, you are a class act. You have the ability to handle challenges with maturity!

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  35. I'm so glad you were able to retrieve some wonderful memories.

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  36. So happy for you! It looks beautiful on your wall. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. I am so sorry you had to endure all of this. You already had enough on your plate to deal with. What a lovely piece you retrieved and what a nice memory of your mom's stitchery to have in your home.

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  38. Well done. Wishing you peace and joy with your treasures. x

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  39. Coni, you are the epitome of class. That’s almost all I can say. I would’ve caused a commotion. You are an Amazing Person!

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  40. I just found your blog, so thank you for taking time to share info about Gingher scizzors. My Mother bought me a pair for Christmas about 20 years ago. They are the 8" dressmaker in the Victoria design. I have collected and read Victoria magazine since it started publication and wonder if these were issued in colaberation with the magazine. The name etching looks like the same font on the magazine. They are a floral pattern on a black background. They are as sharp as ever and I make sure they are only used for sewing needs. I see that they were issued in 1999 and appear to be the first year for the Designer Series. I'll have to make sure I "will" them to a sister seamstress. Thank you again!

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  41. Lots of love Coni. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.

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  42. I am so happy to hear you were able to rescue some of your parents things. Heart broken though that you couldn't get everything. And I am glad that couple did not make a cent off of you!

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  43. Coni,
    I am so sorry for your loss and for the cruelty of these people. I want to thank you as the Executive Director of St. Margaret'House for your kind gift. Each day, we give out hot carry out meals, breakfast bags and groceries to women and children struggling with poverty. We also set up 2 tents each day in our parking lot to work individually with guests to help them apply for unemployment, jobs, housing and food stamps. Last week, we averaged 95 lunches each day. One woman who picks up 10 meals for her children and grandchildren each day told us that we are her only source of food. We worked with her for weeks to help her apply for jobs. She finally got a job last week. Your gift is helping women survive during these difficult times. I hope that brings you some comfort. Kathy

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