Collect Souvenirs - From Jan. Issue 2022

By Kandy Derden

Things to Do Editor

When you travel, do you buy souvenirs? I do. However, I don’t select an item simply because I like it without first considering a few basic qualifications.

For starters, is it affordable? I’ll admit this particular requirement varies from time to time. As I recall, the most expensive item I ever took home unexpectedly was a winter coat purchased in August. It seemed outlandish at the time, if not downright silly, but it was a design I had never seen before (nor since) and every winter when I wear it, I am glad I have it.

The second question I ask myself is also one which varies from trip to trip. Do I have enough room for it? Depending on the size of the item and the size of my suitcase factored into the number of people traveling in my car and their travel bags, it sometimes is the deciding factor in my decision.

My next consideration is usefulness. Other than being a reminder of your destination, does it serve any useful purpose? I think I can safely answer this question with a firm yes. You see, in recent years, I have narrowed down my mementos to four items: playing cards which have photos of the location, Christmas tree ornaments depicting the locale, glass paperweights and/or refrigerator magnets.

When we pull out a deck of cards for a game, the backs remind us of the trip and we have fun meandering down memory lane while playing. During the process of decorating our tree, we talk about each unique object and the trip when we acquired it while placing them on display among the branches.

The paperweight collection was started by my ancestors; each of my grandmothers had an antique glass ball which represented something from their family heritage. I had given an additional one to each of them to go with theirs for Christmas one year because I was fascinated with the way those blobs of glass had been made into works of art. As a result, the original two were given back to me after their funerals. A new collection was begun. They need to be dusted regularly, but I’ve noticed family members looking at them occasionally. Whether they like the way they catch the light or they are remembering them in their previous home is unknown. Either way, they give me pleasure.

The items in my last category probably get the most use. Refrigerator magnets are both functional and decorative. I try to keep the decorative ones on the front and the functional ones on the sides, but alas, they sometimes gravitate from place to place. Speaking of which, I have a new one to be placed among the ever-growing display in my kitchen. I’m still not sure where it will be placed.

I almost forgot about it, but I think most of you will understand when I explain why. I just returned home yesterday from a trip and have been unpacking and doing laundry all day. Intermittently during the process, I was trying to think of something to write about this month. Then this afternoon, I found a small, plain brown bag in my suitcase containing the magnet with a phrase on it which gave me the perfect topic.

January is the time of year designated for focusing on all things new. For most it is resolutions, but this year, I plan to start some new traditions. In fact, I’ve already begun. I spent Christmas in Kentucky to assist with tornado recovery. My job was a support position taking care of the workers. Some were working hard physically while others were counseling with hurting people which was emotionally taxing. The physical support is done through providing hot, nutritious meals to anyone who needs one. The emotional need was obvious because of the holidays.

Resources were limited, but with a little scrounging, borrowing and creativity, a few of us were able to celebrate the most unusual Christmas ever. Yes, it sounds odd to put together a dinner party in the middle of a disaster, but for the ones present, it was worth it. When everyone else went home for the holidays, sixteen strangers pooled their resources.

We had a couple of widows who were happy to have someone to cook for. One volunteer decorated a few tables with leftover wrapping paper and borrowed vases of flowers. Entertainment was provided by a few corny riddles and off-key carols. But it didn’t matter. From a first year-college student away from home for the first time, to a chaplain providing spiritual guidance whenever and wherever needed, to a mother-daughter team who were only present for two days so someone else could go home, the one thing we all had in common was sacrifice of time away from home and family.

Or was it? I don’t think so. And my new magnet is and will be a constant reminder of such. On second thought, I know exactly where is the best place to put it: front and center. After all, it is correct. Together, we make family.