Memories

I've been working hard "de-junking" my life. Currently I'm working on the storage room. Boxes and boxes of memories. Not only my memories but Terry's, Melissa's, and Erika's as well. Needless to say, there is a ton of "stuff" and wading through it is quite a chore but I'm determined this time. I'm taking time and really saving the treasures and getting rid of the rest.

It's funny how finding just one simple item can transport me back in time so vividly. It has happened several times so far in this clutter ridding process. But my favorite "find" by far thus far has been a very special book with a very special story of how I lost it and found it then lost it and found it once more.

When I was a child, my parents bought me a book published in 1955 by Dandelion Library. The company had published a series of readers with one story on one half of the book then you flip it over to read a different story. The book that my parents gave me was Alice in Wonderland/Peter Pan combo. Oh how I adored and loved this book. I would sit for hours looking at the beautiful illustrations. Turning the book over and over in my hands. I loved it. I carried it with me to church, to my swingset, to the garden...everywhere.

Then, I lost it. It was there one minute and gone the next. Heartbroken though I was, my life went on.

At my wedding reception (the first one...ha!) in 1986, my first grade teacher came through the receiving line. I was so excited to see Mrs. Pitts. It had been years and year (obviously) since I'd seen her last. I didn't even know she was still alive! When she reached me and we had exchanged hugs and a few tears, she handed me a little wrapped gift. She told me to open it later when I was all alone. So, between lulls in the receiving line and leaving the church that evening I sat down and opened the gift. It was my book! There was my beloved Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan that had gone missing so long ago. Wow! With it, she had written a note.

Tami:

I've had your book for a long time. You probably didn't even notice it was missing. I've meant to return it to you but never did. I'm so sorry. Here it is now. Though you are older and and your life is moving faster, you must still cherish reading. You've always been good at it. Remember the lessons from Alice and Peter and you will always be young.

Love, Mrs. Pitts

Wow! Just wow! What a sweet thing for her to do. You can bet I am never losing that book again. Never. I've been thinking a lot about the story of Alice in Wonderland throughout the week. So many thoughts and not enough space to write it all down. I've decided to spread my thoughts out to several posts. They can't stay in my head much longer. So, if you are interested, there will be more to come.

Oh, and, if I've ever borrowed a book from you, I WILL return it in a timely fashion! I love you Mrs. Pitts...wherever you are!)

I would love to own them ALL.

(Hmmm...I feel another collection coming on!)