Lynchburg Living

Editor's Letter

By Johanna Calfee

The jewelry box was made of translucent pink plastic, with a delicate iridescent rose glued on top. Inside, the sectioned off squares would soon become the keeper of my mother’s earrings and rings for longer than either of us ever imagined. After all, it wasn’t an expensive gift. I remember picking it out for her for Mother’s Day; I was just 8 years old and didn’t have much to spend, but for some reason, that jewelry box practically leapt off the shelf at me. Turning it over in my hands, I knew it was the one for her.

A few years ago, while visiting my parent’s home, I noticed it peeking out from her top dresser drawer-the one that she has long kept important items in.

“You kept this?” I asked incredulously.

“Of course,” she replied with a bit of a laugh, the kind that told me that one day she knew I would understand why.

Each of us has our own special memories of Mother’s and Father’s Day past. For Lynchburg resident, Lauren Barnes, this one will be particularly poignant, even bittersweet. Four years ago, she lost her mother-an accomplished lover of the arts and giver to our local community-to cancer at the young age of 49. Her legacy now lives on the stage all over again through Lauren, who stars this month in the Academy of Fine Art’s performance of “CHICAGO.” As a first-time mother this year, Lauren is now fully realizing the long-reaching arms of her mother’s love for life, her family and the Arts. Read more about Lauren’s heart-warming tribute to her by clicking on the “Features” tab.

Whomever you choose to honor this Mother’s or Father’s Day, whether it be a biological, foster, adoptive or godparent, strive to verbalize their living legacy-the memorable things they’ve done in your life. It may be one of the only times they will ever hear of their impact.

As for me, I now understand why my mother has kept that jewelry box, though its rose has long since fallen off the top. It’s my first Mother’s Day as a mother. Though my daughter is too little to pick out a present for me herself, I know that when she gets to that age I will treasure whatever she gives me for years to come, no matter how costly or inexpensive. I may even designate a top dresser drawer for just such a purpose.

Best,

Johanna Calfee, Managing Editor