Keepsakes
2010
The dictionary defines a keepsake as “something to be kept for the sake of or in memory of the giver”. These are keepsakes. My grandfather, Justin bought them for me one by one when I was too little to know. My mother carefully tucked them away until I was old enough to handle them and to understand their significance. The tea kettles are smaller than a quarter and the little chairs could sit comfortably on a dime. The grand piano and the chair where someone sits to hear the music are painted glass. The serving tray and the roaster pan in the back are for little fingers to cook dinner. The radio behind the chairs is for music while cooking.
When I was young, I kept them on my dresser. When I had children I put them away lest they get lost or broken. From time to time I get them out and handle them. I think of my grandfather, lovingly choosing each piece and bringing it home for me to treasure when I was old enough. I treasure these and other things like them that remind me of the love of family and of the special nature of keepsakes.
These keepsakes are made more special to me by the fact that my grandfather died at a young age, saving me from harm. His hands handled these tiny pieces just as they reached out to me, a crawling baby, and protected me.