The Family Curse

A week or so ago, my sister was talking about cleaning, and how she tends to keep things out of guilt, allowing sentiment to exist when there is no rational basis for it. It got me thinking: I do the same thing. But I take it a step beyond. My Mom is probably the worst. Is this a family curse?

Example: I have box after box of cards I’ve been given–all the way back to my high school graduation. Now, granted, they are all shoved into several attractive, matching brown Manila folders, so they aren’t presenting a clutter problem, but WHY?? I have awards and ink pens and playing cards that I got as gifts when my age was a single digit. WHY??

On some level, I know it’s silly to keep such things. I’ve even brought myself to toss most of them at one time or another. That card from Great Aunt Sally that marked my birthday 12 years ago? It was on top of the trash can until I pictured old Sally, with her walker, searching the aisles of Hallmark for the PERFECT card to send me, then cheerfully dropping it into the mailbox, content in the knowledge that it would bring a smile to my face. How can I toss something that Aunt Sally put such effort into for little ole me? And the answer is, I CAN’T!

But I do the same thing, to a lesser degree, whenever I think it’s time to toss an old souvenir, stocking stuffer, or trinket. And the longer these items stick around, the worse it gets. That stamped leather wallet, brought back from the Smokey Mountains years ago by a well meaning relative? (I don’t even recall which one!) It’s been relegated to the “TOSS” pile a half dozen times, but then I picture the poor, tacky thing pleading “Why? After ALL these years?” It has no relevance or meaning in my current stage of life! In fact, most of it is useless.

My mom could pull out my Halloween costume that I wore when I was 5 at the drop of a hat. My sister has pennies we stamped with the Six Flags logo during our summer vacation in 1979. I think I have now succumbed to the family curse! And, I cant shake it although I want to.

On a recent business trip to Italy I bought souvenirs for my sister, the nieces and nephews and parents. A thimble, spoon, shot glass, painting, bottle of wine and purse all made their way back along with a pair of toe nail clippers with the leaning Tower of Pisa illustrated on its top (i needed them badly at the time!).

All I can say is, welcome to the family, your safe with us!