October 28, 2013

The Power of Potter


Years ago when my youngest son was critically ill,
the adventures of Harry Potter sustained us in ways that only 
a mother with a very sick child will understand.


Harry became our friend.  
Harry had a scar.  We had a scar.
Harry was afraid.  We were afraid.
Harry had to be brave.
And he showed another little boy that he could be brave, too.

Evil comes in many forms and while the evil that we were confronted with was not Voldemort,
we fought as though it were.


We were tested again and again.


There were times when we didn't think we'd make it.
Very much like Harry, Hermione and Ron.


And then we'd read.
We'd read about Hedwig, Harry's owl and Scabbers, Ron's rat.
We laughed at those Weasley's and imagined all their outlandish inventions.
We ate Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and giggled as we tried to guess which beans 
were the good ones and which beans were flavored like earthworms, vomit or earwax.
Or our favorite...
boogers.


Hagrid told us that "what's comin' will come- an' we'll meet it when it does."
Dumbledore told us "we must try not to sink beneath our anguish, but battle on."


And we did.


So when I came across this suitcase and thought about what I'd do with it,
this is what I chose.

I painted it with ASCP and applied a reverse transfer with Mod Podge.
It will have a place of honor in my sewing room.

A reminder of the two brave little boys who overcame so many things
and went on living.
Despite it all, they lived.

While I was working on the suitcase, I asked my son 
"Do you remember?"
He looked at me like I was crazy and said of course he did.

"After all this time?"
"Always."


For us, too.
Always.





22 comments :

  1. i have never been a harry potter fan, but i certainly understand why this would be a treasure - for both of you. :)

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  2. This is so powerful . . thank you.

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  3. Darn cute. Pinning. And the sardine flavored were the worst.

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  4. I am so touched by your words. I have tears in my eyes at their beauty and meaning. I'm so glad Harry Potter was such a comfort and guide. You're created a wonderful remembrance. Your son is very lucky to have you for his mom. :-)

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  5. What a touching story, Tina. And a lovely way to remember it, too. :)

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  6. What a great story, Tina. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  7. I was just telling my son-in-law about the time when my daughter's doctor said to me, "If she makes it through the night, she'll live. I just can't foresee the next few hours." As a mother who very much understands almost losing a child, your story was very moving, Tina. Thank you for sharing it with us. If you're like me, the telling is always emotional.

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  8. Beautiful post Tina. I read the first 4 books to my kids; then they got "too old" for me to read them the last 3. But those were very special times. Even more special for you it would seem. I simply love this entire post. Thank you.

    xoxo
    -andi

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  9. Love this.

    My best friend and I were just chatting about Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ( my nickname for her IS Bott!) and the name Scabbers always makes me LOL. Said friend also refers to an old job as either Voldemort.

    On a more serious and relatable note: my nephew ( now 19) said he watched the movies before and after school when he was having a rough time. They transported him. I'm so glad they were able to give you and your son comfort when you needed it most.

    Xoxo- TOT

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  10. What a wonderful example of a mother's love to do what must be done when the tuff stuff happens. You are a good one Tina...both mother and example. Tender yet powerful post

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  11. Today, you win the award for best post AND best mom. Love this.

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  12. An amazing post and story, Tina. I love your idea with the suitcase. It's beautiful and full of meaning. xo, Amber

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  13. What a very touching story and I am so glad that you have this sweet tribute to remember "that time". I hope it can be packed away like a memory with all the good thoughts attached and all pain and anxiety forgotten. Blessings- xo Diana

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  14. such a charming post..and mom:)

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  15. I agree with Kirby. That was so nicely written, Tina.

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  16. Wonderful story!! I've never read the books but have seen all the movies! The suitcase is just adorable!!

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  17. Tina, this is my favorite post of yours..ever. Seriously teary, deary.
    Your suitcase is fabulous, but your true story is even better! What a great way to memorialize an otherwise horrific time.

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  18. What a fitting and impressive tribute.

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  19. I never read the books but I can't imagine a better way to help you and your son through such a difficult time. The suitcase is perfect.

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  20. You truly are precious through and through. Love the suitcase and the story that goes with it. My daughter loves HP. I can't wait to show her this.

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  21. I am so glad you chose this project for Make It Monday. Very heartwarming. It is nice to have a project with a true meaning behind it. Thank you, Tina!

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  22. What a very touching post. I'm not sure I'll look at HP the same way again. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave me your thoughts. I appreciate each and every one!