I have been wanting to revisit some favorite classic books, and perhaps even read a new classic or two that I may have forgotten about over the years.
I have a very nice library of books which I have collected and treasured since the early 60's. One book on my shelf was Jane Eyre. I must have read this book decades ago, but realized my recollection of it was sketchy. Or did I actually ever really read it? I just could not recall. I pulled my copy down off the shelf with the intention of re-reading it, and was quite astonished at what I discovered.
To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure exactly where I had acquired this book. Honestly, it just has always been on my book shelf. When I pulled it off the shelf, I admired its very beautiful cover and spine. I knew it was a few years old, but wasn't really sure just when it had been published or how I had acquired it.
I felt excited at re-experiencing this wonderful book. After caressing it and admiring its lovely cover, I opened it to the flyleaf.
I was fairly dumbfounded to look at the inscription. This book was purchased or given to my mother, Shirley Ann Savage (her maiden name) back in October of 1946. One year before she married my father. Two years prior to my birth. This book is 71 years old and was significant enough to my then 20 year old mother to have her write her name on the flyleaf for posterity.
I just stared at her handwriting for some time, letting it all sink in. It was if my beloved mother, who has been gone from this earth for 13 years was communicating with me. Her hands wrote her name and date in the book. Her eyes travelled over each and every page of this book. 71 years ago.
I wasted no time diving into this copy of Jane Eyre. I am completely entranced with the story, and have been making cups of tea, snacking on sliced apples, and generally imagining my mother enjoying each sentence of the book so many decades ago, and perhaps doing the same things as I while reading it.
What a gift this discovery has been to me. I miss my mother so much, even though she passed away some time ago. She was so important to me, and I continually wish I could share things with her or ask her some question only she would have the answer to. I dream of her often, and upon waking, feel as if I have had a nocturnal visit with her. On the days when I wake having dreamed of her, I go about my day with a feeling of optimism and happiness. Unearthing her special book on my my own bookshelf is almost as good as having her pop by for a chat and a cup of tea. Almost.
78 responses to “Precious Discovery”
I, too, love books and this one looked special even before you found out it was. I do believe your mom does visit you. I have never read this but plan to now. A real treasure for sure!
I, too, love books and this one looked special even before you found out it was. I do believe your mom does visit you. I have never read this but plan to now. A real treasure for sure!
I, too, love books and this one looked special even before you found out it was. I do believe your mom does visit you. I have never read this but plan to now. A real treasure for sure!
Very nice post, Nicole. Have a great day!
Very nice post, Nicole. Have a great day!
Very nice post, Nicole. Have a great day!
What a lovely start to your week. Enjoy every moment spent reading your treasured book!
What a lovely start to your week. Enjoy every moment spent reading your treasured book!
What a lovely start to your week. Enjoy every moment spent reading your treasured book!
Your story gave me goosebumps. What a wonderful discovery! Enjoy reading–it’s one of my favorite books too.
Your story gave me goosebumps. What a wonderful discovery! Enjoy reading–it’s one of my favorite books too.
Your story gave me goosebumps. What a wonderful discovery! Enjoy reading–it’s one of my favorite books too.
Such a tender story you have shared. A nice connection to your Mom every time you open this volume.
I love this book, and have read it a few times in my life. If you are inclined to see a movie version after completing your reading, I recommend the version with Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester. It is most true to the book and has the least “Hollywood” effect in it.
Such a tender story you have shared. A nice connection to your Mom every time you open this volume.
I love this book, and have read it a few times in my life. If you are inclined to see a movie version after completing your reading, I recommend the version with Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester. It is most true to the book and has the least “Hollywood” effect in it.
Such a tender story you have shared. A nice connection to your Mom every time you open this volume.
I love this book, and have read it a few times in my life. If you are inclined to see a movie version after completing your reading, I recommend the version with Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester. It is most true to the book and has the least “Hollywood” effect in it.
What a beautiful story! You should print this blog post and add the copy t the book. Perhaps one day in the future Eva or one of her children even will open the book and read about your rediscovery and know that the book in her hands is treasure.
What a beautiful story! You should print this blog post and add the copy t the book. Perhaps one day in the future Eva or one of her children even will open the book and read about your rediscovery and know that the book in her hands is treasure.
What a beautiful story! You should print this blog post and add the copy t the book. Perhaps one day in the future Eva or one of her children even will open the book and read about your rediscovery and know that the book in her hands is treasure.
What a special story. And such sweet memories to reflect on. Enjoy your book. They are priceless even in our electronic age.
What a special story. And such sweet memories to reflect on. Enjoy your book. They are priceless even in our electronic age.
What a special story. And such sweet memories to reflect on. Enjoy your book. They are priceless even in our electronic age.
Loved the book, so gothic! Love it when I dream about my dad. If my husband only knew that when he makes the same hand gesture as my dad I lose the argument 😉 My dad never met my husband but my dad would have loved him.
Loved the book, so gothic! Love it when I dream about my dad. If my husband only knew that when he makes the same hand gesture as my dad I lose the argument 😉 My dad never met my husband but my dad would have loved him.
Loved the book, so gothic! Love it when I dream about my dad. If my husband only knew that when he makes the same hand gesture as my dad I lose the argument 😉 My dad never met my husband but my dad would have loved him.
It was like a little gift to you to discover this was your Mom’s book. I so share your sentiments about missing your Mom. Mine passed away 15 years ago this month and I still miss her so much that it’s painful. I still have so much to say to her and ask her – she was my best friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and my sympathy on the loss of your Mom, even after 13 years.
It was like a little gift to you to discover this was your Mom’s book. I so share your sentiments about missing your Mom. Mine passed away 15 years ago this month and I still miss her so much that it’s painful. I still have so much to say to her and ask her – she was my best friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and my sympathy on the loss of your Mom, even after 13 years.
It was like a little gift to you to discover this was your Mom’s book. I so share your sentiments about missing your Mom. Mine passed away 15 years ago this month and I still miss her so much that it’s painful. I still have so much to say to her and ask her – she was my best friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and my sympathy on the loss of your Mom, even after 13 years.
This is a wonderful post, Nicole,and a bit eerie, too, when you hear what I happened across this very morning. I pulled out my old iPad and as I randomly tapped various app icons, I hit one that is a recorder. Lo and behold!! My grandmother’s voice! She died in 2015 at age 98. We shared a common love of quilting. I was interviewing her about her siblings. What a find. Just like you felt upon finding your book, I have been filled with optimism all day, and called my mom (her daughter) to share with her. Thanks for sharing your sweet story. *smiles*
This is a wonderful post, Nicole,and a bit eerie, too, when you hear what I happened across this very morning. I pulled out my old iPad and as I randomly tapped various app icons, I hit one that is a recorder. Lo and behold!! My grandmother’s voice! She died in 2015 at age 98. We shared a common love of quilting. I was interviewing her about her siblings. What a find. Just like you felt upon finding your book, I have been filled with optimism all day, and called my mom (her daughter) to share with her. Thanks for sharing your sweet story. *smiles*
This is a wonderful post, Nicole,and a bit eerie, too, when you hear what I happened across this very morning. I pulled out my old iPad and as I randomly tapped various app icons, I hit one that is a recorder. Lo and behold!! My grandmother’s voice! She died in 2015 at age 98. We shared a common love of quilting. I was interviewing her about her siblings. What a find. Just like you felt upon finding your book, I have been filled with optimism all day, and called my mom (her daughter) to share with her. Thanks for sharing your sweet story. *smiles*
I lost my mother 16 years ago (although it doesn’t seem like that long) but I can relate to everything you just wrote. Last week I discovered her handwritten recipe book and had a lovely afternoon reading through it.
I lost my mother 16 years ago (although it doesn’t seem like that long) but I can relate to everything you just wrote. Last week I discovered her handwritten recipe book and had a lovely afternoon reading through it.
I lost my mother 16 years ago (although it doesn’t seem like that long) but I can relate to everything you just wrote. Last week I discovered her handwritten recipe book and had a lovely afternoon reading through it.
I loved reading your post today. So many of us share the same feeling of an emptiness without our moms. What a wonderful treasure to discover right on your own bookshelf. Enjoy your time with your mom and Jane.
I loved reading your post today. So many of us share the same feeling of an emptiness without our moms. What a wonderful treasure to discover right on your own bookshelf. Enjoy your time with your mom and Jane.
I loved reading your post today. So many of us share the same feeling of an emptiness without our moms. What a wonderful treasure to discover right on your own bookshelf. Enjoy your time with your mom and Jane.
I always read your posts, but today’s was special and so lovely. What a precious discovery you made. Definitely a book to be passed on to your daughter and granddaughter.
Yesterday would have been my mom’s 92nd birthday and although she passed away 20 years ago, I still think of her so often and especially at this time of year. Autumn was her favorite season with the leaves turning to brilliant shades of red here in Canada.
I always read your posts, but today’s was special and so lovely. What a precious discovery you made. Definitely a book to be passed on to your daughter and granddaughter.
Yesterday would have been my mom’s 92nd birthday and although she passed away 20 years ago, I still think of her so often and especially at this time of year. Autumn was her favorite season with the leaves turning to brilliant shades of red here in Canada.
I always read your posts, but today’s was special and so lovely. What a precious discovery you made. Definitely a book to be passed on to your daughter and granddaughter.
Yesterday would have been my mom’s 92nd birthday and although she passed away 20 years ago, I still think of her so often and especially at this time of year. Autumn was her favorite season with the leaves turning to brilliant shades of red here in Canada.
How very lovely to visit your beloved mom through another favorite activity, reading! I may have read Jane Eyre many years ago, but lack any sharp recollection. Enjoy!
How very lovely to visit your beloved mom through another favorite activity, reading! I may have read Jane Eyre many years ago, but lack any sharp recollection. Enjoy!
How very lovely to visit your beloved mom through another favorite activity, reading! I may have read Jane Eyre many years ago, but lack any sharp recollection. Enjoy!
What a sweet gift. And precious memories.
What a sweet gift. And precious memories.
What a sweet gift. And precious memories.
A treasure, indeed!
My mother has been gone 13 years, too, and I miss her still.
Hugs!
A treasure, indeed!
My mother has been gone 13 years, too, and I miss her still.
Hugs!
A treasure, indeed!
My mother has been gone 13 years, too, and I miss her still.
Hugs!
What an endearing post and what a lovely sentiment to feel she’s communicating with you.
You are blessed!
What an endearing post and what a lovely sentiment to feel she’s communicating with you.
You are blessed!
What an endearing post and what a lovely sentiment to feel she’s communicating with you.
You are blessed!
My Mom has been gone 49 years. She died very young. I still keep the three sentences she wrote about how to keep house for my shower. It makes me smile whenever I come across it.
My Mom has been gone 49 years. She died very young. I still keep the three sentences she wrote about how to keep house for my shower. It makes me smile whenever I come across it.
My Mom has been gone 49 years. She died very young. I still keep the three sentences she wrote about how to keep house for my shower. It makes me smile whenever I come across it.
What a beautiful story and memory 😍
What a beautiful story and memory 😍
What a beautiful story and memory 😍
What a most delightful sign discover, how wonderful to have confirmation that she is with you.
What a most delightful sign discover, how wonderful to have confirmation that she is with you.
What a most delightful sign discover, how wonderful to have confirmation that she is with you.
Thank you for sharing this with your blog friends including me Nicole. Just a story to make me smile for many things about this post.
Mary
Thank you for sharing this with your blog friends including me Nicole. Just a story to make me smile for many things about this post.
Mary
Thank you for sharing this with your blog friends including me Nicole. Just a story to make me smile for many things about this post.
Mary
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. Agree that you need to put a copy of this post in the book. Or write in your own hand the facts under your mother’s writing. Priceless.
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. Agree that you need to put a copy of this post in the book. Or write in your own hand the facts under your mother’s writing. Priceless.
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. Agree that you need to put a copy of this post in the book. Or write in your own hand the facts under your mother’s writing. Priceless.
That is a beautiful story.
That is a beautiful story.
That is a beautiful story.
You are blessed with warm and wonderful memories of your mother. How delightful that you discovered this treasure. Enjoy your day.
You are blessed with warm and wonderful memories of your mother. How delightful that you discovered this treasure. Enjoy your day.
You are blessed with warm and wonderful memories of your mother. How delightful that you discovered this treasure. Enjoy your day.
one of my all time favorite books! netflix has a streaming version of movie staring michael fassbender that is excellent. ;p
one of my all time favorite books! netflix has a streaming version of movie staring michael fassbender that is excellent. ;p
one of my all time favorite books! netflix has a streaming version of movie staring michael fassbender that is excellent. ;p
What a wonderful serendipity!
What a wonderful serendipity!
What a wonderful serendipity!