Beautifully written! I need a box of memories. Right now, I have memories tucked into a box here, a drawer there, and a shelf or two. One day, I'll put them all together along with a simple, small, gray stone worn smooth by sand and tide. I picked it up by the ocean the day I learned by former boss, mentor and dear friend, Gary, had passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly. Even now, ten years later, when I am trying to sort through choices, I ask myself "what would Gary advise" and I do that. I rub the smooth stone and remember that whatever that decision is, it is just a small decision in a vast universe and changes. That and prayer bring me peace.
That's a sweet thought -- that you get to touch the stone and think about Gary's lasting gifts in your life. I'm so sorry for that big, unexpected loss for you.
Another beautiful and well-written piece! Thanks for sharing your box of memories. Joshua had a sleep sack that he chewed on and carried around with him as a toddler (kind of like Linus from Charlie Brown). The dirtier it was, the better. He hated when we washed it. LOL. I still have it, washed and kept in a plastic bag. Reminds me of simpler times for him.
My box is an old Longaberger Xmas basket. In it are pictures and trinkets of life. The biggest is my mom's ancient Terrible Towel. Together, it does tell a story that I don't want to forget ever. Thanks for sharing your box.
I have old letters from middle and high school boyfriends (some of them have Van Halen 4 ever scrawled on the bottom lol). My baby book and my daughter's baby book. various high school and vacation trinkets from over the years. wristbands from music festivals. Funeral bulletins from services of loved ones. They all fit in one bin tucked into a closet. I also have tea cups from one grandmother that we occasionally use (usually for tea parties with my grands) and the other grandmother's wedding crystal and silverware that sometimes is used. I appreciate them but don't feel too attached . . . if something breaks or gets lost, it's okay. At some point I stopped adding to the box. I don't think I have anything of grandchildren in there. it is a pre-middle age box of memories :)
Oh those keepsakes were everywhere, especially if they came from Hawaii. It was all about home and family, even though I don't have my own. I'm USING my mother's old silverware-why not? It's prettier and feels better in my hand. I'd use my China (set was started at Goodwill and completed on line-a reward for doing my taxes) but it can't be microwaved. What I kept-stuff for my kid, although he hasn't spoken to me. A quilts from my mother in law that she made before the wedding, my conversations with her were priceless. I can still hear her voice.
That was part of what sent my parents china to Goodwill, too. Not being able to put it in the microwave was a barrier. I love that you’re using the silver! The kid may yet come around. Hoping so!
Handmade cards from my husband, daughter’s clay trivet from grade school, cards from grandsons, notes from parents on relatives. Most of the important stuff I carry in my heart and memory.
I think it’s impressive that you have everything in one box! My important keepsakes are spread out all over the place and things go missing for years on end!
Nope, somethings are easier to part with others not so much. Somethings are too difficult to get rid of. Dick wishes I were different. Depends on how busy I am, also. When my brain gets overwhelmed I'm terrible at it and when I get time back I can do it with effort.
I lost my mom to cancer in 1986. She was 56 years old. Back then, 60 was not yet the new 40, and at 56, she was dressing in polyester and sweatshirts. One of her favorite sweatshirts was white and filled with pen and ink drawings of various animals. Each animal had on a multicolored striped tie, and hot pink is a color that stands out to me. I have that sweatshirt hanging in my closet and my children will have to do something with it when I pass on.
Beautifully written! I need a box of memories. Right now, I have memories tucked into a box here, a drawer there, and a shelf or two. One day, I'll put them all together along with a simple, small, gray stone worn smooth by sand and tide. I picked it up by the ocean the day I learned by former boss, mentor and dear friend, Gary, had passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly. Even now, ten years later, when I am trying to sort through choices, I ask myself "what would Gary advise" and I do that. I rub the smooth stone and remember that whatever that decision is, it is just a small decision in a vast universe and changes. That and prayer bring me peace.
That's a sweet thought -- that you get to touch the stone and think about Gary's lasting gifts in your life. I'm so sorry for that big, unexpected loss for you.
Another beautiful and well-written piece! Thanks for sharing your box of memories. Joshua had a sleep sack that he chewed on and carried around with him as a toddler (kind of like Linus from Charlie Brown). The dirtier it was, the better. He hated when we washed it. LOL. I still have it, washed and kept in a plastic bag. Reminds me of simpler times for him.
Very sweet, to picture the little kid years again. I’m glad you washed it!
LOL! I think I had to wash it a couple of times before it could be stored!
My box is an old Longaberger Xmas basket. In it are pictures and trinkets of life. The biggest is my mom's ancient Terrible Towel. Together, it does tell a story that I don't want to forget ever. Thanks for sharing your box.
That's a pretty classy box you have! Fun to have a reminder of your mom.
You are a wonderful writer, I love the way you tell the simple story. You make them so interesting!!💙💙💙
Thank you so much!
I have old letters from middle and high school boyfriends (some of them have Van Halen 4 ever scrawled on the bottom lol). My baby book and my daughter's baby book. various high school and vacation trinkets from over the years. wristbands from music festivals. Funeral bulletins from services of loved ones. They all fit in one bin tucked into a closet. I also have tea cups from one grandmother that we occasionally use (usually for tea parties with my grands) and the other grandmother's wedding crystal and silverware that sometimes is used. I appreciate them but don't feel too attached . . . if something breaks or gets lost, it's okay. At some point I stopped adding to the box. I don't think I have anything of grandchildren in there. it is a pre-middle age box of memories :)
How fun to know what you saved!
Oh those keepsakes were everywhere, especially if they came from Hawaii. It was all about home and family, even though I don't have my own. I'm USING my mother's old silverware-why not? It's prettier and feels better in my hand. I'd use my China (set was started at Goodwill and completed on line-a reward for doing my taxes) but it can't be microwaved. What I kept-stuff for my kid, although he hasn't spoken to me. A quilts from my mother in law that she made before the wedding, my conversations with her were priceless. I can still hear her voice.
That was part of what sent my parents china to Goodwill, too. Not being able to put it in the microwave was a barrier. I love that you’re using the silver! The kid may yet come around. Hoping so!
Well, it's not like the cards his nana sent take up too much space-or the crochet baby quilt.
Handmade cards from my husband, daughter’s clay trivet from grade school, cards from grandsons, notes from parents on relatives. Most of the important stuff I carry in my heart and memory.
Mmm…all lovely treasures!
I think it’s impressive that you have everything in one box! My important keepsakes are spread out all over the place and things go missing for years on end!
It happens…and it’s a treat when they pop up again!
I wish I was as careful as you with things I hold onto. I will have to get better about that.
Are you a thrower-away kind of person?
Nope, somethings are easier to part with others not so much. Somethings are too difficult to get rid of. Dick wishes I were different. Depends on how busy I am, also. When my brain gets overwhelmed I'm terrible at it and when I get time back I can do it with effort.
It’s a hard balance!
I lost my mom to cancer in 1986. She was 56 years old. Back then, 60 was not yet the new 40, and at 56, she was dressing in polyester and sweatshirts. One of her favorite sweatshirts was white and filled with pen and ink drawings of various animals. Each animal had on a multicolored striped tie, and hot pink is a color that stands out to me. I have that sweatshirt hanging in my closet and my children will have to do something with it when I pass on.
That’s fun, to think of her when you’re looking in your closet for a shirt. I’m so sorry you lost her so young.
Yes…it’s such a quirky sweatshirt, but she wore it so often that it immediately reminds me of her.
Try looking on the Talbots.com website for a black cashmere turtleneck, Mary.
Thanks, Edie.