Wednesday, January 20, 2010

My Mother's Coat


Maya posing in my mother's coat

My mother died in 2005, and every time I go on a walk around the hill, every time I talk to my daughter in a certain way, I think about my mom. She was the sweetest, most conciliatory person I've ever known. Why am I not more like her? Why did I have to take after my father?... but that's another story.

Yesterday, I found myself working madly on a story/video about my mother's coat. Later, my brother left me a message reminding me of the anniversary of our mother's death, (1/19), which I'd completely forgotten about. After work, I rushed home to light a yahrzeit candle and to finish her story.

When my mother died she left behind a number of her coats. Most were given to Goodwill, but one remained and it's been hanging in my closet, giving me trouble, ever since. If you, dear reader, have any idea what I can do with it, please leave your suggestion. Otherwise, keep in mind, this is no ordinary coat—it has a story. Here it is:


12 comments:

  1. That was fantastic. I imagine that your story is more universal than you might think.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So sad, so funny. What to do? Start an animal rights museum and put it on display.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A beautiful tribute to both your mother and your daughter. This coat is a memory keeper, therefore keep it within your family for many generations to come!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful film! your mom really had backbone and your dad must have REALLY been pissed. i agree with Melis... start an animal rights museum. or, there's that display case at some airports with banned items... or, curl up with the coat like a friend and read it a story.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You MUST pass it down to the generations (Maya) and make it their problem. Especailly now that you made a video about it. Maya is invested in the story. It's part of who she is and will be a tangible heirloom in years to come. FYI - I also have my mothers fur coat hanging in my closet. Mine is faux, but I'll never part with it, nor will I ever wear it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the video. My grandma had a seal coat, black and furry, which I wore all through the 60's and 70's. Came in handy when I lived in Wisconsin. It was also embroidered with her name. I think this was a perq of the fur coat owner. I later purchased used furs at a shop on St. Marks Place. Another seal, a couple of moutons. I donated my mother's mink to the Council of Jewish Women Thriftshop for sale. PETA collects old furs to cut them up for orphan animals to snuggle in. You can donate it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wear it. Your mother loved it before she heard the story, and I'm sure a part of her was pissed she couldn't wear it. Wear it for her. If you can't bring yourself to, your daughter looks stunning in it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loved the video! I, too, possess not one, but several family fur coats. Because I am a fashion designer, they have been given to me assuming I, of all people must know what to do with them.
    Well, since I actually don't want them taking up space in my closet, and it is not acceptable to wear them out anymore at all, here's my idea: take the coat apart and make it into a fabulous throw/ blanket or pillow. It will be granting the respect due to the animal who gave up it's life for us, utilize the fur in a way that is compatible with sustainability, and make a fabulous addition to your decor!

    ReplyDelete
  9. My mother brought her fur coat with her when you moved to California a few years ago. It, too, has her name inside. It hangs in the closet. My daughter tried it on. It looked fantastic . My mother wouldn't part with it. I suggest you start taking winter vacations in Alaska or Switzerland where you can get some use out of such a fantastic garment.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I want to thank everyone for their suggestions, really fantastic, things I would never have thought of, such as: animal rights museum, vacationing in Alaska (hmmm, sounds good) PETA, Council of Jewish Women Thrift shop, making throw pillows or blankets (can I borrow your sewing machine K?), and keeping it within the family and passing it on (a possible solution, as it would be hard to give it away). Lots of great comments, thank you all!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fantastic video sister, pretty amazing, both the video itself and the reality that there are so many parallel universes coexisting - I never had any idea about this coat (memory?), the story behind it, that you had it. In the end you don't have to know what to do with it - the story will reveal itself. Sorry, have to run to meet Chris for lunch on this dreary day in the midlands. xoxoD.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, awaiting for more new post. Keep Blogging!
    Blacktop Seal Coat

    ReplyDelete