Specificity...Take Two

I did not realize there was a second part to the previous initiation, so here we go.

Step Two: List and describe ten personal objects that have for you, personal emotional weight. Describe especially both the object and the reasons for its emotional relevance.

1.      Ryan's Coveralls Baby Picture – That picture reminds me of so much. It was taken when Ryan and I still lived in Huntsville, when I was struggling to get by. When I was learning to take care of myself and Ryan and trying to make it from one paycheck to the next. His smile symbolizes that I didn’t do so bad. He’s wearing a Whirlwind hat that my dad had made for him. He was Papaw’s boy even back then.

2.      Mema’s Virgin Mary Statue – It reminds me of the special time Ryan and I spent with her. As difficult as it was, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We are both better people for having cared for her, even if I didn’t do a very good job of it.

3.      Mom’s Strawberry Dishes – They remind me of the barn house. I loved that house, especially the kitchen. I hope that this house inspires those kinds of happy memories in Ryan, memories that last a lifetime.

4.      My Tennis Shoes – They are nothing fancy but when I put them on I feel empowered. They remind me that I really have come a long way.

5.      My Prayer Jar – It reminds me of the ACTS retreat and everything about that memory is special.

6.      Grandma Piper’s Ash Tray – It’s white with green specks, and I suppose an ash tray is a strange thing to connect to emotionally, but it reminds me of her apartment…and thus of her.

7.      My Willow Tree Reading Angel – I love all Willow Tree figurines, but I think this one is especially beautiful. One, because I love her wings, and two, because I think she looks like she is hugging the book with such passion. It represents my passion for language and books and words, and it represents a big part of who I am.

8.      My Graduation Gown – It is a symbol of what I’ve worked so hard for and am still working to achieve, and it represents the importance of education to me.

9.      My Wonder Woman Watch – Mostly because Big Ryan gave it to me. It reminds me that I do make a difference and that my students are affected by the things I do and say. That is an awe inspiring feeling. It makes you proud and self conscious and humble all at the same time.

10.  My Moment to Pause Bracelet – One, it does just that…reminds me to pause and be thankful and reflect. Two, because it is a connection that all the Piper girls share. I love that.