What’s one thing you own that holds deep sentimental value?

I have kept so many of my old dolls, and I collect things like trolls and playing cards. I played with the Dam type trolls when I was younger, and looking at them, I can still get a feeling for the personalities I had ascribed to each. I have clothes I have kept, for sentimental purposes, that I occasionally still wear. Mugs from over 30 years ago, like the one that reminds me of an old boyfriend. Books I haven’t reread in years but still remember liking. LPs. Photographs.

I can’t think of one single thing above all the others that holds the most sentimental value. They all evoke different feelings, and since I enjoy those feelings, I’ve held on to these things move after move.

The intersection of memory and feelings is fascinating. I’m currently reading Proust was a Neuroscientist by Jonah Lehrer, and the author covers different writers, artists, composers, and others who broke new ground in their fields, and whom the author evaluates against the science of brain perception. The entry for Proust is about the evocation of memory. So this prompt is timely. In any case the study of memory is fascinating (and the book worth reading.

I am thankful I have lived a life where I’ve been able to hold onto “things,” and I recognize they’re just that. Things. Some day I may lose these things. If not, I assume they’ll simply be disposed of or given away. They won’t hold memories for anyone else. And that’s okay.