24 Comments
Nov 15Liked by Cindy Eastman

Love your keep things story, Cindy! Isn't clothing just the perfect, simple keepsake of those we love and will miss?!! I kept articles of both my parents.. not necessarily textiles, but of adornment/accoutrements. My father's belt & watch. *acutally I "stole" numerous belts and had an artist friend make them into jewelry cuffs for my nieces (of their grandfather's). My Mom's glasses, wedding ring and other jewelry. These all keep them close in memory.

Expand full comment
author

My father's wristwatch is hanging on the wall of our kitchen at the family cottage in Maine. :)

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Deborah Way, Cindy Eastman

Another beautiful essay about two beautiful people. I am so glad I got to know you, Cindy, and have been able to follow you, your amazing writing, and even this difficult journey. You help many people. I am about to lose a best friend at 50 of cancer, and I am thinking about what of hers her family may let me keep. I gifted her some sweaters over the years (she was always cold!), and I think maybe I'll ask for one of those....

Expand full comment
author

I love that idea, Heidi. I gave a bunch of Annie's scarves to her friends to wrap around themselves when they are missing her.

Expand full comment
author

I’m so sorry you’re about to lose your friend. And glad you found comfort and inspiration in this story 💓

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Cindy Eastman

Oh my, the sweetest of essays and what a wonderful mom you were to her.... but your loss is huge. I am so sorry for you ---- my dad passed away in 1995. I have a shirt of his hanging in my closet. When I look at it, I just see him. It's a beautiful thing...... so I totally get your holding of her clothing.

Expand full comment
Nov 14·edited Nov 14Liked by Cindy Eastman

As I’ve aged, weeping or crying is not as accessible as it once was when a Clydesdale Budweiser commercial could make me wail. But your piece, full with the love you and your daughter shared did the trick. I’ve heard tell that tears heal us, so thank you for sharing your heart, and healing mine.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you. Annie would love this. ♥

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Deborah Way, Cindy Eastman

Annie was a beautiful woman and her clothing holds dear memories. I’m so glad you can still touch them and remember. I have a tote of my son’s clothing. And a tote of my

Moms clothing. It still hurts to touch them, see the items. Perhaps I should put something on and allow myself to remember.

Expand full comment
author

💔💔💔

Expand full comment
author

I love that idea. Let me know how you do. ♥

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Cindy Eastman

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story. I easily related. After my partner passed in April 2020, and I found the courage to go through his things, I would often pick up a shirt (we were the same size) and put it on. I immediately felt his presence and embrace. I've kept a number of them just to remember. Back then, I thought it was strange to feel this way, but knowing others have felt the same is reassuring. Thank you, Cindy, for sharing Annie with all of us.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for taking the time to read it. ♥

Expand full comment
Nov 16Liked by Cindy Eastman

I can't even imagine losing either of my two grown sons, so your story about your sweet daughter has got me crying on the couch, unable to sleep (I don't sleep well anyway so it's okay.) Thank you for sharing your memories of her, and how much comfort she will always give you when you wear her clothing and feel her hugging you. 🥹❤️‍🩹

Expand full comment

Thank you for this warm and honest story. To the bone. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Imagine how your daughter loves it that you are wearing her favorite clothes, and finding so much comfort there. When I wear my son Henry’s big cozy hoodie, I can feel him right with me. Eight years passed by before we sorted and shared his clothes. There is no time.

Expand full comment
Nov 15Liked by Cindy Eastman

what a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. I went into my hubby's closet and pulled out a sweatshirt and "felt" him too. It's been over three and a half years for me. thank you for the idea!

Expand full comment
author

I love that you did that. ♥

Expand full comment

This is so heartbreaking and so beautiful!

Expand full comment
Nov 15Liked by Cindy Eastman

A beautiful essay filled with love. Your words always penetrate.

Between my mother and I, we still have many of my dad’s favorite shirts, sweaters, slippers and hats . I even have a couple pairs of his jeans from which I inherited on making a nap sack (found this cool craft online), but let’s face it, that’s never going to happen. It feels good and comforting to wear his flannels.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Gael. I just got an image of your dad in one of his flannel shirts. :)

Expand full comment

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Expand full comment

This is so beautifully written. I am weeping here this morning.

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Cindy Eastman

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story.

Expand full comment
Nov 14Liked by Cindy Eastman

Thank you for bringing us into your life with your daughter, Cindy. What a wonderful musing on her clothes.

Expand full comment