Keepsakes

 

She had kept just one box over the years. A box containing her most personal memories. It contained hand drawn pictures of tree swings, family picnics and trips to see the ocean. There were photographs of the kids looking so very young and a clay bowl that she remembers using for some cereal the day it was given to her from her youngest son. The milk leaked out a little, but messes could be cleaned up as they so often were. She held onto a piece of her mother’s hair just a small strand held together with a red ribbon, holding back tears that have never dried. Carefully she removed a small glass ballerina her husband gave to her for no reason other than he thought shed like it. She remembered that day and how she whispered in his ear that she would treasure it forever. There were souvenirs from family vacations like a snow globe from Santa’s North pole and a small baby food jar filled with sand from a trip to the beach. So many memories in such a small box but everyone bringing a smile to her face and sometimes a tear she can’t control. She put the lid on the box and put it back on the shelf knowing it wouldn’t be very long until she pulled it down again to help her remember a life well lived and always loved.

Mike 2022