Wednesday, September 10, 2008

"Show Me" - Sentimental Objects

This week Robert is hosting a photo project he has titled "Show Me." He has picked common objects for participants to photograph in a creative way. His choice for today is sentimental objects. My three small objects are shown here under a glass dome. Since they are from the past it seemed fitting to present this first image in black and white.
These three objects were given to me by my Dad. My Dad passed away a little over twelve years ago and I still miss him as if it were yesterday. Dad didn't have a lot growing up and he wasn't much of a materialistic person so that makes these little treasures he passed on to me even more sentimental.
The ring in the center above belonged to my Grandfather. I never knew him because he passed away before I was even born. A few years ago I traced my family genealogy back some eleven generations to the early 1700's. My Grandfather went by a nickname and I had only heard his given name which turned out to be his middle name. Through this research I learned that without knowing I had named my son the same first name as my Grandfather. How cool is that! The ring and a ceramic jug are the only things I have from my Grandparents.

I do not know where the watch above came from with any certainty. My Dad gave it to me when my son was born. My Dad was a quiet man and didn't talk very much. It was also hard for him to express his feelings. It was the day after my son was born and I was in the hospital. At my bedside my Dad handed me the watch. He looked at me and said 'I didn't have very much to give you but I wanted to give you something.' He handed me the watch. I had begun collecting things for a country home and he knew my love of old things. It was old and I knew he treasured it. I didn't want to take it. He told me he wanted me to have it. I think he knew I would take care of it. It is now set to the time my son was born.

The coin you see is what they call a Barber Quarter. It was minted in 1914. My Dad gave it to me on the birth of my daughter. He thought it didn't compare to the watch but again he wanted to give me something that belonged to him not something new. I don't know what the coin is worth. I know some Barber Quarters have sold in the thousands. I've never had mine appraised. It doesn't matter. To me, it is priceless.

I'm going to go over to Robert's Thoughts of a Father and sign Mr.Linky so he knows I've posted my photos. And Robert, you better have a box of tissues waiting. I need one and this is only MY post.
Folks be sure to click on the above link to visit other participants or to join us . The project runs through Saturday.

24 comments:

Anndi said...

This is a truly perfect post. You really are a kindred spirit.

Thank tou for sharing your treasures with us, and that song.... wonderful.

Robin said...

What precious gifts, real priceless treasures.

Gattina said...

That's very nice that you have some special objects to cherish.
I really don't know (besides my house) what I would prefer or hold on !

dot said...

Such a nice post...I need some tissues too! How sweet that your Dad gave you those things at the birth of your children.

Twisted Fencepost said...

A beautiful post!
I have a few things that belonged to my parents, they mean more to me than money ever could.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: It is nice to have things that have special meaning.

Rose said...

Oh, Carletta, this is a good post!

Neal said...

Such a nice post. I'll bet those really bring back good memories.

Raven said...

What wonderful treasures. Priceless indeed and so full of love. How cool that you gave your son his grandfather's name without knowing it. I love how deeply connected we all are even when we don't necessarily know it. Beautiful post.

Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

Oh how precious. Definitely needed to bring tissues to the journey today. What beautiful memories and the song is absolutely perfect.

Shelly said...

What sweet gifts from your father, setting the watch to the time your son was born is the perfect sentimental touch.

Anonymous said...

How awesome is that...about your naming your son the same name as your grandfather! Wow! I'm impressed with the success you had in tracing your family's history. I've thought about it, but I only know the name of my mother's father and he was born in Germany. Came to America as a teenager I think. Anyway, I didn't think I'd get far enough to warrant spending the money.

Bazza said...

Thank you for sharing that, a lovely insight.

Jenny said...

Thank you so very much for sharing your memories and sentimental items with us! I love how the names are the same between your son and grandfather. How very special.

judi/Gmj said...

Well, spit! now I need a tissue for my nose and my eyes.

Dr.John said...

Thanks for sharing and telling us about you dad and the items that mean so much to you.

photowannabe said...

This is such a touching story and your items have true sentimental value. Most things we have sentiment towards don't have monetary value, they are just full of heart like your watch, ring and coin. Terrific.

Shannon said...

What a gorgeous post! Some very sentimental goods indeed. =)

Cris said...

Truly a day to pour our hearts... what a beautiful post... thanks for sharing such treasures...

Robert said...

Carletta,
This is easily my favorite post of yours. The photos enhanced it but you painted such a beautiful picture with words, images were not necessary. But alas it is a photo project, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

Paz

Janice Thomson said...

A beautiful and touching post which must have brought back many wonderful memories even as you posted it. Love these small inner glimpses of you Carletta.

becky aka theRAV said...

I love these photos, Carletta. I seem to be into clocks. I did some scrapbook cards with nostalgia stamps awhile back. I had a time stamp of a clock which I love.

Firefly Nights said...

Wonderful memories of your father and a great way to display your treasures. I didn't know either grandfather or one grandmother. They all died long before I was born although my parents were more the age of most people's grandparents.