Things of Value

On my tippy toes, reaching my hand far to wipe down the tall closet shelf in the bedroom of my new apartment this Spring, I discovered something. An envelope. 

It was dated from 1954. Inside was one small, delicate piece of stationary, partial torn on the fold. On it, a man had scrawled with blue pen, his last wishes to be carried out upon his death. He left a large sum of money to his wife and “my worldly possessions". Material things. I love mysteries, history and people’s life stories and it got me thinking about theirs. Did he die before her, did she find this envelope and receive what he left her? Did they have a strong relationship and did she deeply grieve the loss of him? In the 50’s, many women were housewives. What about her will? What would she have had to leave him? Besides her collection of pearl jewelry that he had gifted her and whimsical hors d’oeuvre platters (paid for with his paycheck), what did she leave for him? Memories? Was she witty at their bridge games with the neighbors? Did she plan fun family road trips and cut his hair on the back porch? Did she create a warm and inviting home for their friends and family to feel comfortable and loved? What value did she share with him and others during her time on earth? 

Material things help us get through the physical part of life. That has value, but what of the heart? 

When you leave a relationship, wether by death, divorce or just parting ways, what do you leave behind? That partner, as they depart, takes with them all the together-memories. They leave the feeling they gave you behind. Like Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Funny that I would discover this piece of paper the same week my divorce was final. Transitions are felt deeply - a sense of both loss and peace. When she read his will at the time of his death, she may have been relieved he was no longer suffering or in pain but also nostalgic for the weight of his hand on hers. 

We are all passing through each others lives for different amounts of time. While we are with one another, let’s weave memories that make us feel loved and cared for. May we leave each other better for having known each other. May kindness prevail and may it ripple out to others without end.


Beauty is Everywhere. 

-Holly