Friday, July 7, 2017

Significant Objects



Last weekend when our son and his family visited, he described his recent efforts to “purge” his home of things he no longer wanted or needed.  I listened and nodded without commenting because that is generally what the mother of a 40 year old should do. But my mind meandered to  significant objects, something I've been thinking about since reading a NY Times article five years ago.  The idea is that some things only become valued and even valuable when one tells stories about them.  So while I agree about the benefits of getting rid of unnecessary stuff, I believe in keeping the memories alive with photos and stories.   My son’s visit inspired me to get rid of a few books (three) and remind myself why I’m keeping two others.

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- When I retired the school librarians gave me a basket of books. Amy contributed "The Trouble with Poetry" by Billy Collins.  I still enjoy reading the poems and treasure the sweet note tucked between the pages.  This is a "keeper" ... for now.  

- I'm embarrassed to admit that I borrowed and never returned  "Where did you go?" "Out"  "What did you do?" "Nothing" from a church library in Park Ridge, Illinois.  It reminds me of the best of the 1960's when I was part of a youth group and our weekly volunteer work at Marillac House on Chicago's west side. Time to return this book to its rightful owner. (I don't think they collect fines.)

- I'm ready to donate the two books my Aunti Randi and Uncle Roger gave me after capturing one of inside pages for posterity  (nasus neslo = susan olsen spelled backwards). I think I got a small printing set that Christmas along with the book.

- For several years the adults in my family drew names for a holiday gift exchange. In 2004 my mother's husband, Bob, drew my name.  This cookbook is special not only because of the outstanding recipes (lobster asparagus risotto is a favorite) but also for Bob's lovely note.