When I was in college, still living in the dorm, a package arrived for me one day. I didn’t get many packages. I lived close enough to home that I managed a weekend home at least once a month and my mom would load me up with treats to take back to the dorm. She sent letters and newspaper clippings in the mail, but no packages.
When I opened it, I discovered that Mom had sent me something totally unexpected. Whimsical, even. We were a family on a very tight budget and practical always won out over whimsical. She had ordered it specially for me. It was a Charlie the Tuna watch. It was just the sort of thing I was drawn to – a little off-beat, a lot whimsical. She knew that about me. I loved it.
For those of you who are too young to remember, Charlie the Tuna was the star of Starkist Tuna commercials. And because Starkist took only the best tuna, Charlie was always turned down, hence, the “Sorry, Charlie”at the end of each commercial.
Well, I wore that watch all the time. And then, as the years passed, I forgot about it. About a week or so ago, I found it tucked away in a box with my Alpha Psi Omega pin (a college drama thing) and a little straw hat brooch that my great-aunt had made. My mom is on my mind all the time, as you know, and seeing the watch again brought back so many memories. It no longer had a watchband. Not even sure whether it had a battery or was a wind-up watch, I took it to our local jeweler. Turns out it was a wind-up watch and it needed a complete overhaul. Yesterday, I went to pick it up and had the jeweler add a watchband that I had stashed away in my jewelry box.
I don’t want to take it off. It reminds me of Mom, the mom who has a great sense of humor and who I loved to hang out with. It reminds me of the days when I could make her laugh until she cried. That’s the Mom that bought this watch. This watch that I forgot about has become a priceless treasure.
Thanks, Mom. I love you.
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There’s still time to link up to Reality Shot Thursday. Just scroll down one post. I’d sure love to keep this little meme going. It’s a lot of fun!
What a fabulous treasure. I actually think you are lookin’ quite hip and stylish with that Tuna on….
What a wonderful “treasure” for you to find at this time … so nice you were able to get it refurbished and running. I’m sure it will bring many happy thoughts your way.
You are right it made me smile, I remember that watch and of course I wanted one too because you had one.
XO,
Mere
such a sweet story about your mom. when times start to get a little tough, it’s so important to focus on the positive memories. it sounds like you have some wonderful ones with your dear mom.
i hope both of your parents are doing a little better each day.
xo
molly
Boy, this post sure brought back memories Claudia! What a fun watch to have in a collection. Thanks for sharing.
xxx Liz
Hi Claudia. Found you by way of your sister Mere’s blog. I am a sentimental slob when it comes to stories like this one about your watch. Oh yes, I remember Charlie the Tuna, guess that dates me a bit. I’m thinking your mom probably had to save some labels and send a bit of cash for S&H to get you that watch, no doubt it was an offer on a can of tuna. How fortunate that you tucked it away, how nice that you found it again :)
What perfect “timing” for that little tucked away treasure to be rediscovered. Such a sweet and touching story. So happy Charlie is making you smile again!
Love that little treasure!
I am so sentimental and this is just the type of thing that means so much. All the memories this watch holds for you is priceless. Wear your “Charlie The Tuna” proudly dear…
I love your watch and the sweet story that you shared with us. Isn’t it great how something like a watch can bring back such wonderful memories?
I still have my minnie mouse watch stashed away. It has my name and phone number- the first one that I memorized as a child- written on the back of the wrist strap by my dad. I’ll always treasure it.
Hugs,
Jill
What a great story! And how special that you still have the watch….what a wonderful memory.
This is a wonderful story Claudia – and yes I definitely recall Charlie!
So glad you were able to get it repaired and the red band looks perfect. Little treasures from our mothers, always so special! I have my mum’s silver thimble and her wedding ring – two lovely wee items I will never part with.
I hope mom is doing better – she is in my prayers.
Hugs – Mary
no fair making me all misty first thing in the am..When that happens I tend to mist up all day..
so her’e to a wonderful, albeit slightly wet Friday.
<3
z
Oh, I loved Charlie when I was a girl. What a wonderful story, Claudia. I think your mom as she was, would love knowing that she created such a happy memory for you.
xo
Lena
Oh Claudia, I am not sure why I am crying! I love that you found your watch and that it brings back such sweet memories, It’s like God knew that you needed it somehow. Enjoy Enjoy!
Blessings, Joanne
gulp.
i love everything about this post.
sending hugs (and only the best tuna)!
xo
elyse
I remember Charlie and that is a cool watch
good ole Mom we miss them