“God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.” J.M. Barrie, Courage, 1922
As I have gotten older and had a child of my own keepsakes have become more important to me. I am not just talking about things of my sons that I want to hold on to, which there are plenty of things. I am also talking about other family members, ones that have passed away. I was in the 8th grade when my gran-gone (grandma) died and a freshman in college when my aunt died. I loved them both very much and was close to both of them. As I have gotten older the things that I have been given of theirs have become close to my heart. When I was first given a few pieces of their jewelry it was special and I loved it. Now, as the years go on and I raise my child those things I have of my gran-gone and aunt mean more. They both left an impression on my life. Who I am has to do 
with the family that surrounds me, and since they are no longer here it is their memories, lessons and traditions that live on. When I make nachos I always think of my aunt… that was the signature meal we had when she babysat us! Peanut butter cookies and homemade chex mix always take me back to my gran-gone, not to mention that everyone in my family says that I have her eyes! And now, when I look down at my finger and see one of their rings on my hand I will always think of them. The legacy of my family lives on in me and in my children and as my children grow up the cycle continues. I hope that I will have a few keepsake items for my children that they will want to have that will remind them of their childhood and our family. I have a vision of the legacy I want to leave behind. What is your vision?
