Thursday, January 17, 2013

Keep Me Safely


A few months ago, while poking around in a junk shop,
I discovered this old needlepoint bedtime prayer in a frame.
It was on the floor, covered in dust and it's paper backing was torn,
but I could still see faintly written in pencil:

"This needlepoint was made for Susan by her Grandmother Harrington 
when she was 6 years old".

I don't know Susan or her Grandmother.
And I have no idea how this came to be separated from them.
I wish they knew that their beautifully stitched prayer was safe with me.

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Keep me safely through the night
And wake me with the morning light.

* * *

I'm linking to
Vintage Thingie Thursday at The Colorado Lady

32 comments:

  1. What a beautiful stitchery. It's nice to save something like that and enjoy it again!

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  2. I'm glad you rescued this stitchery. This is the girls bedtime prayer. Josie likes to sing her version of it.

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  3. Grandmother spent a lot of time on that. I'm glad you rescued it.

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  4. Oh! I'm so happy that you found this. You will appreciate it, and keep it safe!

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  5. Glad you found this popluar prayer and gave it a good home.

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  6. Let's try again.

    It is interseting what one finds in these shops.
    Very cool.

    M :)

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  7. Oh how lucky you found and rescued this cross-stitch! I always wonder the story behind such pieces!

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  8. Acabei de conhecer o seu blog e achei maravilhoso. Me visite:http://algodaotaodoce.blogspot.com.br/

    Beijos Marie.

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  9. I love that you rescued that prayer - it is very special. I have a pair of white, high top baby shoes, they were in a box with "Billie's Shoes" written on it and I couldn't bear that Billie's shoes were in a thrift shop, so now they live with me.

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  10. I can just picture this dear grandmother stitching this piece for her granddaughter. How sweet. What a lovely post this is and so heartwarming to know that you have rescued and appreciate this piece. Wherever the grandmother is now, I'm sure she is smiling.

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  11. I am so glad you rescued that sweet stitchery! So sad to think that it's not still in the family, but glad it has found an appreciative home.

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  12. How wonderful that you found the piece and gave it safe haven. Sometimes I wonder where my stitchery will end up in years to come as no one in my family likes that kind of thing, it seems. Perhaps someone like you-
    Mary

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  13. This is precious and I'm happy it has a forever home with you.

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  14. Wonderful piece for you to find . . . now safe with you. I like this version of the prayer more than the one I heard when I was growing up . . .

    keep me safely through the night . . .
    and wake me with the morning light . . .

    leaves me with peace, not fear . . .

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  15. I'm so happy the stitching found a good home with you. Sad to think it might have been thrown out.

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  16. I love this...this is the prayer I always prayed as a child! Pure joy you found. xoxo

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  17. What a treasure and it's gone to a good home.

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  18. How beautiful this is. take good care of this!!!

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  19. What a TREASURE! I'm sure it would warm that grandmother's heart to know that someone as sweet as you is taking good care of her handwork!

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  20. Such a sweet post:) Thanks for sharing.

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  21. Oh this is really lovely, so glad you found it and took care of it. Happy weekend from Pam

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  22. Such a precious treasure!!! Love that you brought it home to cherish! xo Heather

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  23. It makes you wonder what happened to Grandma Harrington and Susan. they would be thrilled to know it is being loved again.

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  24. That is sweet that you found such a wonderful piece. I always wonder about the people that make some of the stuff that I buy.
    Hugs
    donna

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  25. I like this so much. And I like this verse better than the one I was taught as a kid: If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Yikes. What a thing for a kid to have to say every night!

    xo
    Claudia

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  26. Those are the things that intrigue me about the thrift. The separation of items. I wonder if one day Sarah will wonder where that went. I love that it is now safe and secure.

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  27. It's good to know other folks save beautiful things from the bone yard. I can't seem to resist embroidery pieces. This is, especially, beautiful.

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  28. Oh. How sweet. I'm so glad you are the keeper of this precious sentiment for both of them.

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  29. What a lovely find Gayle....I'm sure the owner and maker of this sweet stitchery would be happy to know it's in safe and caring hands now.....

    Claire :}

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  30. Beautiful! I love the colors!

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  31. One of my favourite books when I was growing up was a prettily illustrated prayer book. The first prayer in the book started with the same two lines –
    Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the lord my soul to keep

    but ended with

    If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take.
    I prefer your version!

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THANK YOU for your thoughtful comments. Replies to your questions will be posted here, so be sure to check back soon. Have a wonderful day! - Gayle, Garden Of Daisies