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

[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