The unthinkable has transpired and the thought of having to leave all your special and personal belongings compounds the fact that you must evacuate the place that love. The three small (WOW) items I would choose to carry with me are:
1. A family portrait of my immediate family taken several years ago. This photo is one that I treasure because it includes my father, who passed away from cancer. In this photo he is holding my youngest son, whom he adored but never really got to see him grow up and become a fine young man and is often told he looks like his grandfather.
2. Several Christmas’ ago, I gave my mother a Circle of Love necklace that she returned to me stating that it was an article she wanted me to have. This necklace reveals the love I have for my Mom and always keeps her dear to me. It is through this necklace that I feel close to her and I feel receives her wisdom and encouragement.
3. The DVD, Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. I can and have watched this movie endlessly and always find a touch of something that I have missed before. Through this account of her life, I see someone who eloquently never forgets where she came from and would not allow those around her to forget the struggle.
It can be seen that through the items chosen how much I love my family and how significant they are in becoming the focal point of my life. Everyone who has been a part of my life has nurtured and supported me, making me the person I am today. These three items only show a small part of the love I have for them.
If told I had to give up two items, I would be devastated but would quickly keep the family photo. Without the necklace I would feel empty, as if I was missing a part of myself (in turn my mother.) and would hate to give up treasured items, but they are just that items-material things. The family photo could never be replaced.
This experience has made me reflect upon what is important to not only me but to my family. It instills in me that family traditions build strong connections amongst each other and encourage a sense of identity to the younger generation and something for them to look forward to, if not pass along.
Thank you Terri for your post. I agree with you this exercise just showed me how a bond with family is so preious and dear.
ReplyDeleteFamily photo was the item that I chose to keep to as well. Holding on to my family photos are memories that I will have of them, which is can not be replaced in my life.
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