My mother-in-law collected angels. She had a set of shelves to display her collection of several dozen angels of different shapes, sizes and composition, and when she moved from her house to an apartment, the angel collection was one of the items that had to come along. Mom loved this collection and loved the gifts her friends brought to add to her shelves.
After Mom passed away 3 years ago, we thought about what to do with her collections of angels and also teacups and teapots. Keeping another person’s collection is a daunting prospect, especially when those items are added to one’s own sizable belongings. Although it may not have been Mom’s idea to break up the collections, we wanted to share our good memories of Mom with those who loved her too.
First we asked our children what they would like to have, and they selected pieces that they wanted to keep in memory of their grandmother. Then we reached out to friends and relatives and asked if they might like a teacup or angel to remind them of Mom. Many of them did. I packaged up a teacup or angel from the collection and sent them on their way. The recipients appreciated the pieces we gave them or mailed to them. Although it wasn’t an easy project, the task gave me joy to do and peace to complete.
Sometimes we look at a collection of items and don’t see the individual parts. Going through the angels and teacups to sort them out, I discovered the Pie Angel pictured above. I had not previously noticed her sitting on the shelf with all of the other angels; she hadn’t stood out to me then.
When I saw her, the Pie Angel felt like a messenger sent to me. I was launching my pie business, and this angel seemed to embody the sense of hospitality and sharing that I want to incorporate into the pies I make. Each pie is like a gift, made for someone and made to share. I’ve kept the Pie Angel to remind me of someone dear who was always generous to me and to remind me to keep a generous heart.
