Miss Hattie and Other Treasures

Over the last 5 or 6 years, my parents and in-laws have been systematically sorting through and choosing things from their homes and giving them to various members of the next generations. Sometimes I don't know what to do (or say) when I get a piece of family history, (Gee! I NEVER thought I'd get that!!) Sometimes I smile and grit my teeth… but other times I am thrilled.

I was given my Great-Grandmother Morrow's Bible. She prized it greatly, read it often, and it was one of the things gently saved and put away after her death in 1960. Twenty years later, my Mom found it when sorting through family papers. She had it rebound for my Grandma Hickox as a Christmas present, and then I inherited it after Grandma died in 1988. Lightly penciled in margins here and there are brackets around verses that she and Grandma must have studied and loved. She was a woman of faith,and though she had a limited education, she wrote pages and pages of reflections on her life and her faith.

I remember only a few things about my Great-Grandmother, even though my family spent many occasions in her home. She was a tiny woman, slightly stooped over. Of her home and possessions I have few memories, but I have learned about her from my mom and older siblings.

Recently, my mom gave me my Great-Grandmother's doll, Miss Hattie. Grandma Morrow was only 3 years old when she was given this doll for Christmas in 1874. If I did the math right, this would make Miss Hattie over 125 years old! She was treasured and carefully tended by her little mama. Her hands were patched and "fixed" by her first owner after they were torn. The dress she wears now was originally a baby dress of one of my uncles! Little girls for 4 generations, and now a 5th one have played with her. She now has a special place of honor in my living room.

It's hard to picture a 3-year-old as being a great-grandparent. (It is especially on the days that your 3-year-old is driving you crazy.) It's hard to picture his or her toys being valued by someone 125 years from now the way we love Miss Hattie. What will those treasures be? Barbies? Legos? Bob and Larry from Veggie Tales? Makes you think, doesn't it?

Miss Hattie has captured my imagination. Every time I see her, I am reminded of the two girls in my home who were 3 years old not that long ago. I am challenged to live in a way that will build Jesus Christ into their lives. Simply put, I need to remember to: