After she'd passed away, we attended the funeral. My Mom and her siblings had 'divided' up the big things, furniture, etc. And chosen sentimental items to remember her by.
Then, we, the Grandchildren had a chance to choose something to keep as a token of our heritage and this amazing woman.
As we looked through all that stuff, I was struck by how much was really meaningless- to us.
We didn't know the story behind the paintings on the walls, the rocks that lined the shelves, or the knick knacks that were littered around, brightening up each corner.
Because we didn't know the stories, the items lost their significance. For example, if I had known that a certain menu was kept because that's where my Grandma was when she first heard some amazing news, it would have meaning. If a napkin was from her wedding, or if a rock was from her first trip to the Grand Canyon.
Memories can be stored in an item, and saved for later.
My Mom and I have often talked about cataloging our jewelry boxes, with pictures and details, so' if something ever happened', our families would know what was 'worth something'.
When I opened the lid of my very precious box, some of my favorite things are these. Monetarily, they're not 'worth' much at all.
Seems weird, and there are some others that I will maybe blog about another time, but here is what you see, all tied together years ago so I'd never lose them...On the left is a Jasper Bear and Maple Leaf charm, purchased on a family trip when I was about 14, or 15. I have a terrible memory, but there are some great ones from that trip burned into my mind. I'm so glad to have had trips with family and friends that loved me as I grew up.
Next is my Charmkin. This was before Polly Pockets came out, and she came in a small locket-like case that was her home. She smells sooooo good, and I love to take her out and just breathe her in, like I do with my kids. :)
Then is a log cabin charm. There was a while in my childhood, (actually, I was in grade 11, almost all grown up) when my family lived in a large log cabin. It was a hard time, and I made some bad choices. So did my brother. My parents made some really hard choices. During that time, I also saw God save my life, and work even those circumstances for good.
Lastly, is my 1/2 of the best friends heart shared with my still best friend Dawn. I don't know if she bought them or I did, but I've had it for 20 years. It's a token of a true love.
On my fingers, you can see two rings. One is my Grandma Grier's wedding ring. My mom 'inherited' it, and on my birthday last year, she passed it to me, with tears and honor. I love it. Had Seth been a girl, he would have been named 'Violet' which was my Grandma's name, and my Mom's middle name. When I wear this ring, I feel that legacy anyway.
The second ring has a cross in a heart, and it says "He loves me." It's a reminder that I am not just Ryan's bride.
If something happens to me now, at least you'll know a bit of the story behind all my worthless junk.
Be blessed, friends.
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