One recent winter , I opened up my hamper and found a little stuffed mouse that had a little tag on it that read, “ Don’t ever give this away. This represents me during this time in my life.” I remembered well that it was during a difficult episode as a young girl. The mouse had belonged to my baby brother who had exchanged it for a cookie from a little boy across the street. I found it in the tool drawer when I was still living at home with my parents and siblings. Even then, I was forever trying to find mementos which represented the presence of joy, pain, or turmoil. But a mouse? Tattered, rubberized, and unattractive old mouse? Did others do things like that? Did you?
I asked family first, and while some were completely considering the source, and well-what can I say- not surprised, they only remembered the classic tokens of the events, not some irrelevant object. My mother, when at the prom, would keep the corsage , or the program. My father, while in the army, remembers saving letters he’d received from my mother, and maybe some unused handkerchiefs sent to him during World War II from his parents. My sisters and brothers were creative also, but only remember holding on to school papers with the big red “F”s on them, or the ones whereby they were commended for doing an “A” job. Funny, how we as children, keep all the good , the bad , and the ugly things which remind us.
Then there was the time I’d received a stuffed penguin from someone as a little gift. I love birds, but for some reason this friend sent me a stuffed penguin. I couldn’t even connect a penguin to her. In fact, I knew very little about penguins. So I researched the little mammal and learned of how unique it was. Unlike a mouse-a rodent which scurries and scampers through our homes and fields- it is a flightless marine bird which is only native to cool regions around New Foundland . It’s flipper wings , though for flight, are really obsolete, using only their webbed feet for diving and swimming. A strange and awkward, but rather cute little being who defies it’s birdlike presence, became one of my little visual “stare” gadgets whenever I am in the middle of writing.
Probably the most impressive story of one’s keepsakes, was that of the coauthor to one of my children’s books. Mr. Baker told me of the story of how the lowest point in his life marked the turn of events. He had lost his family and children to divorce, a very dependable job that suddenly was over, and his home which transplanted him downtown in a little two- room apartment. How depressed he must have felt! But while walking to the main street that fateful day with hopes to relieve anxiety, he observed there , lying by itself on the snowy sidewalk, a scarlet-colored strand of yarn. Had he been cheerfully looking up, he would not have noticed it. But this time, it was all his hanging head permitted him to see.
Stopping briefly to stare at its obscure presence on the white snow, Mr. Baker recalls thinking that of all things, this was a little sign of some sort-a wake up call- a bright little thread to weave into a new thought of awareness.
He took the time to pick it up and felt a sudden pang of gratitude that perhaps , of all things in the world, this might have been a tender symbol from God who had greater charge of life. With prayer and struggle, things did improve but he said he will never forget the humility of that moment. To this day, and under a glass dome, lies this one bright scarlet strand of yarn to remind him.
Whatever the reason, I felt so close to that thought when I recovered the little mouse which now was battered and dusty. I realized, also, that with it, too, I can sense a prayer of thanksgiving to come to mind whereby I recognized my Maker’s most unique and humorous way of isolating me. I thought of the coin phrase, “Are you a man or a mouse”, or in my case “a penguin or a mouse”? Since only the unplanned collecting of the treasure related to the event, I’d have to say either one will remind me , not of its content, but that thread of evidence to mark another one of life’s turning points to faith.
Besides, who needs wings to fly when you have a penguin to remind you of what you’ve come to know and who’s really behind the scene?
1-11-00
My darling friend and AllPoetry's "Sherry" was the one who gave me the Penguin several years ago!
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Aunt Cookie,
A beautiful write, shows how much those little things in life can really mean the most or reflect some of the most sincere moments.
Sometimes teaching us love behind them all weather it be a lesson of giving, inspiration, or touching our hearts. Thank you for using the penguin in this piece....I had forgotten about him. God did help me fight depression so I am a fightless bird even though I dont fly maybe someday ill soar higher in Him in a deeper love.
I have along way to go, but desire this so......I love you love,
Sherry
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Seems like someone is examining her life and looking at everything that evidences that she has had one. Memory is a strange creature that is grateful for assistance from objects, music, aromas and faces that help bring it into focus. Tumbling around in our psyche, the picture they create is confusing and in need of perspective that isn't there until we have gained the maturity to understand the meaning. Life is a puzzlement! People are the pieces. Remnants of them that remain are the instructions on how to put it all together...You brought memories into focus for me.
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Ah, Dianne ... You took me down memory lane ... I keep every single syllable ever said LOL ... Memory like an elephant ... I am out of Africa, remember!
I kept my children's going home clothes and baby blankets - all five of them! But my most precious keepsake, is the little silver burnt angel that I found in the rubble after our family home was almost destroyed by a fire in 1999 ... It carries significant symbolic value for me, because I always planned everything so carefully ... but our own efforts are often neutralized by the "Burnt Angel" ...
[I bought 12 silver angels in the early 90's - one each for me and my husband and for my five children and their brides/bridegroom-to-be {they were still all at school!} ...]
Thank you for sharing your magnificant talent ...
Kindest regards,
Myra -
Cartwheels
Magical, Humor,sport and fresh! I found this so easy to read, and the smile never left my face!
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awesome writing, here!!
You have a great depth of interest in this piece, and it keeps the reader moving from line to line... brilliant!!!
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interesting that we all keep rememberances of the past...
yet the fondness
shines like bright sunshine...starting a new day!
I did enjoy this my friend!
Keep penning on my friend!
Bill -
This was flawless writing I have to say...again you held my attention when I have Attention Deficit
What I love most about this story is how you tie all of these memories into an important lesson in your conclusion which you aren't expecting as you are reading the story
It is quite amazing that you came to the conclusion that a penguin is in itself unique...a man or a mouse....a penguin or a mouse...I absouletly loved that!! Who else would have a unique insight like that...outstanding!
I am not surprised by your comment that Sherry gave you this penguin in question...I do believe she too has unique insight and it was a unique token given to a unique person
Beautiful all around this was...sorry for the babbling here but this touched me so much...I wrote a story about finding a lost trinket I had saved and what that meant...did not post here though still a little unsure of my short story writing ability...but this gave me a different insight into what I found and why I found it and I thank you for that
Outstanding work Cookie...much enjoyed
~~Dawn
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Hmm..for example..I can't spell!! Lol! I meant *****Criticism ..lol
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This article is absolutely wonderful. It caused me to reflect on those "little things" that I, too, collect and keep in what I call my "Treasure Drawer," all the good, the bad; everything that has, somehow, influenced me to deeper thought. I can't imagine anyone not relating to this write. Deep down, we all search for "signs," something that holds possibility for a brighter future, when we are at our lowest point in life. This write is brilliant! Thank you for sharing, and reminding me, once again, to watch for those "signs" that always lead to a pathway of new beginnings. This is so touching! I love it! Love, light and peace to you as you continue on your journey! (I collect dolphins, angels, miniature castles and even stones, which I call my "gems.")--Kel
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Aww! This was so so so CUTE!! Lol, I LOVE penguins, which is what drew me to this story!! Lol, but yeah, I don't know what else to say! I don't have the talent of a great writer to give you constructive critiscm..but I do know that this was an AWESOME write..thanks so much for posting it!!
Sarah
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