When I became a Mother, my husband and I taught our children that God is in control, although He uses many ways to get our attention; He has the ability to send angels to watch over and protect us, we are still to keep our eyes focused on Him, as God is over everything including angels.

I know many people who collect favorite items that become part of their personality, things that they enjoy and have a special interest in. Today there are many beautiful angels that are used to make lovely decorations and statements in homes. Many of my friends collect angels. I collect teacups, beautiful china eggs, and thimbles. And so my home is representative of the things I enjoy, and they mean so much to me.

A few years ago my Mother asked me if I had any of my Grandmother's handkerchiefs. I remember searching through my dresser drawer and finding a soft pink velvet bag that held a number of handkerchiefs that had belonged to my Grandmother which I carefully had put away. I took the beautiful white linen handkerchiefs that had been my Grandmothers, and gave them to my Mother. I remember being a bit surprised that she had asked for them as I had cherished them, and often carried a handkerchief in my purse to church and other functions. But, for some reason Mother had wanted to have them, and so I gave her what she asked me for.

We were going to visit my parents at Christmas time that year in Florida, and it was always an eager journey for me, as I looked forward to that time after they came south each winter. Upon approaching their home in the sunshine state where the bright oranges and grapefruit can be seen in groves as well as the homes along the streets, with palm trees and flowering shrubs that are so fragrant. As if a child once again, I look forward to the Pelican in their yard that bids a familiar greeting as we arrive for our visit.

As is the custom each Christmas we are with my parents, there are a number of beautifully decorated streets we drive by at night, as well as several live nativity scenes at area churches to see. The small tree inside their home is just large enough to hold some of the smaller gifts I've chosen to give my parents, while I place larger items on the floor around the skirting. In the morning we have some freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange juice with some crapes Mother makes, and enjoy the gifts from one another.

I remember the small package that was in a beautiful wrapping of gold foil and lavender bows, and I wondered what the soft piece of tissue inside held. I unwrapped the paper and my eyes caught sight of the small initials in the corner and I realized as I slowly lifted the gift up to see that my Grandmothers handkerchief had been beautifully made into an Angel. It was about 8"in height and the head was made of a much firmer material, the size of my thumb, with light golden hair while the lace along the trim fell to the bottom of the flowing gown portrayed an angel. Part of the handkerchief made bellowed sleeves and a special lace trim was added to the back. A light pink rosebud with trailing silk ribbon appeared as hands in prayer. My Angel was beautiful, and when I looked further, I saw two more that had been made from the handkerchiefs that had belonged to my Grandmother.

This was my first Angel that I would proudly place inside a glass shelf and I would remember the woman I'd been so close to over the years, and whose linen handkerchiefs had been used to make these lovely Angels. I noticed a small tag that the designer had placed on the back with the words "An Heirloom Angel, made with vintage linen, lace and love." How appropriate! I knew that someday I would give my angels to my grand-gals and they would have something that had been very precious to me. They would never know their great-great grandmother, although one was named for her. But between my Mother, my daughter and me, we would make sure that they knew what a grand lady she was, and that her handkerchief was made into a special memory. When someone notices the lovely Angel displayed in my home, I simply say "It's Grandma's Angel".