The things that are handed down

Because I was the only girl in a family with six brothers, I was the one who my mother handed her silver down to when she passed away. I use the silver every year on th e holidays. Opening the box reminds me of when I was little and used to set the table for my mother on the holidays--opening the box with the purple velvet lining, taking out each of the knives and forks. It connects me to my mother every year. These things matter and I'm so grateful that my mom left me these things, among others. I wish she were  her to celebrate with us, but I am heartened that she's here in what she left me.