One Man's Trash...

is another man's treasure. That seemed to be the "theme" of the weekend. Yesterday my family gathered to do something that was very difficult and seemed almost holy, we began to divide my grandmother's belongings.

Two of the sisters had grouped the items that were for us grandchildren to choose from. Now after 80+ years, 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and a dozen great-grandchildren there was ALOT of stuff!!! So we began.

We took turns having a first choice, but even so, I don't think any two people wanted many of the same things. I, the very sentimental person who loves glassware, came home with tons of dishes. One beautiful bowl I just couldn't pass up even though it was cracked. It had belonged to my great grandmother. Or the clear blue cup and saucer that had been "gifts" that came in the package of Oxydol soap. The vase they had relegated to the yardsale stash or the cookie pan that had been discarded to the recycle pile. All came home with me.

There were items that our mothers couldn't believe we were passing up. Yet two of the items they were ready to trash were wanted by 4 grandchildren!! There were even a few items that we grandchildren bought that they thought they could never get rid of. Just reminded me that what one person may discard, another may treasure.

The littles even had fun choosing items. There was a table with random stuffed animals, an assortment of notepads, pencils, stickers and small toys that have been treasured by all of these dear children.

I think the most fun part of the time was learning the stories behind some of the items we all remember. The recipe card that showed she had been using the same sugar cookie recipe since 1946.
Or the small turtle that her second daughter gave her as a child. She had a dollar to spend for Christmas and a family of 7 to buy for. The treasured turtle was part of a salt and pepper shaker set, but the 20cent price was too much. So she purchased only one for 10cent and it has been kept for over 50 years.
Or the sweet wind up goose that was my grandfather's toy as a child.

Each item special with a story behind it. A story that will be written so it can be passed to the next generation. So our children will know their heritage and where there roots have been put down.

In the words of Dr. Carl Sagan:

“You have to know the past to understand the present.”