Family Treasures and Memories

In 2002, our family got together for Christmas at the home where our Mother was living. During the previous summer, my sister Bonnie was visiting Mother and uncovered her wedding dress during cleaning. They discussed whether she wanted to keep it and they came up with an idea that turned into our Christmas gifts that year. It was a magical holiday.

Bonnie with Mother's handmade wedding dress

Bonnie deconstructed Mother's wedding dress and from it made individual pillows for each of her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She creatively fashioned pillows using all parts of the dress and each one had a piece of lace and satin and some had buttons from the back or sleeves. Each was unique in size and shape and all are truly beautiful treasures. Here is the pillow I received made from her wedding gown...

And, how it looks on our bed...

Bonnie also wrote a book about Mother's life as a gift for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that Christmas. Here's a small sample...

And a picture of my parents, Dave and Bessie Pravecek on their wedding day...

Today is the second anniversary of Mother's passing. We have many wonderful memories and some special treasures...including our little piece of her wedding dress in the form of a pillow!