Such a small thing

[vr_trakowski]

I have a number of magnets on my refrigerator.  Mostly they go unused; occasionally I notice them enough to use one to hold up a recipe. 

Tonight I realized that over half are gifts.  Aside from the three from family, I have presents from at least four people. 

I haven't talked to any of those four people in years. 

And yet, the thought of taking the magnets down feels like a betrayal.  There's no reason why it should; all things come to an end (what squeak, mouse?) and it's not like I need them.  Some of them fit me; some don't.  And now that I'm aware, seeing them will be a touch of sorrow every time. 

Who will notice?  Who will care? 

Should I care?  I just don't know. 
 

Comments

[mojober.livejournal.com]

It sounds like to me, taking them down will signify the friendships really being over more than a betrayal. I've had objects like that before, that I know if I get rid of them then it means I'm finally letting go. Hope that helps.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Maybe that is it--maybe I just don't want to let go.

[4persephone.livejournal.com]

Here's a trick I learned... take those magnets and put them in a box on your shelf or other such place...and then in a few years you'll find them again and have a doorway into memory you would have otherwise completely lost...

Dan and I have had several similar moments in the past few weeks as I unpacked Dan and I's things into our new apartments...and the stories can take on deeper meaning with retellings....

BJ - who still has a stuffed Woodstock I was given at birth even though it's falling apart, because some day the kid I carry may want to know what (gasp!) 'Mom' was like as a kid...

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Heh, that's a thought! Or maybe by then I'll forget who gave me what. Moving is good for clarifying priorities, I'm told.

[4persephone.livejournal.com]

It has made me MUCH less tolerant of 'junk boxes' that's for certain, and much more appreciative of how small items can store easily and still carry boatloads of meaning ;p

[ligaras.livejournal.com]

Maybe you can take them off the fridge and see if any of them will cling well to each other? If they do they found something new to stick to and you can send them off, the ones that won't can maybe go back on the fridge for a while...

I understand I think, I ponder stuff like that too!

:-)

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Hee! I like that. Or maybe I should give them away in turn!

[snowydragon1776.livejournal.com]

Gosh I hate when little things like that signify an end...I don't think it's a betrayal.
I agree with another poster perhaps put them in a box.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I probably should. And toss the faded ones!

[cincoflex.livejournal.com]

Things have beginnings and ends--and ends don't always have to be sad. It's like letting go of a balloon string sometimes.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Eh, I guess I just have trouble prying my fingers loose. ;)

[cluesby4.livejournal.com]

I myself went through this sometime ago. After a major cleaning of the refrigator. What to keep - there was a feeling of betrayal when it came to a gifted one. However, it was the thought that remains. That is the greatest gift to me.

I am an organizing demon right now! I must make room and make this house easier to clean! arghhhhh

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know that feeling! It never lasts with me, though.

Love the icon!

[mingsmommy.livejournal.com]

There is an ebb and flow to all relationships. As I've said before, someone once told me "Everyone and everything is in our lives on a temporary basis." Sometimes temporary is 5 minutes, sometimes 50 years.

Things are things...they are just what we give meaning and symbolism to. Hold it in your hand and decide if you're ready to take it down or not. If you are, then do. If you're not, leave them until you are ready to take it down. Letting go is a process.

Peace.

[vr-trakowski.livejournal.com]

That's true. I guess I'm big on symbols!

Thanks.

[mingsmommy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm huge on symbolism, in both act and items, my whole family is that way (my sister has an empty corrugated cardboard box she won't throw away because my father once touched it...I'm not quite that...attached). I know it's not always easy to let go of the physical symbol of something, but when I do remember things are just things and not the person, not the memory...it makes it easier.

I have an e-mail subscription to Daily Word and a paragraph in this morning's stood out and reminded me of you and this post:

I am open to the variety of ways change appears in my life. On any given day, and on this day especially, I may choose to release what no longer blesses me, what no longer serves the highest and best of my intentions.

I hope you have a lovely day. Peace.