Ode to Ena

My Uncle Steve recently lost his mother Ena who until last weekend I knew little about. I met her when I was a little girl and that was the last time unfortunately.
My Aunt and Uncle invited my family and I to Ena's house to be a bit of support.
Being in someones house when they are no longer there felt a little intrusive at first but then the stories began to flow. As I walked through her house you knew that she was of Austrian decent and proud of it. Austrian crystal, Austrian paintings, Austrian food etc..... She was very crafty as well. So many cross stitch pieces, knitting, crocheting. I would have loved to have watched and learned how she did some of her pieces.
As we began to clean out cupboards, closets, cabinets and dressers her life just seem to speak for itself through the beautiful things she surrounded herself with. I hate using the word "things" so loosely but she was a lover of so many beautiful pieces. The fanciest china, silver, and linens. Then I found out she loved to entertain. I can just imagine. After a while my Uncle was willing to let us have some of the pieces we found. I was given some of Ena's beautiful linens and I can't wait to use them in my home. I also received a faux Hummel made in Japan. She is so cute with her little ducky. I was also given some of her vintage purses and some vintage gloves that I wish I could see on her in their hay day.
I am writing this blog to thank my Aunt and Uncle for letting us be a part of such a personal journey. I will cherish all of the lovely things that I was given and think of Ena every time I use them. They will be loved.