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.
