AT HOME Monday: My most cherished memento

Today’s prompt from FOLK Magazine’s 2013 Journal Challenge states:  “What family memento do you cherish?  Why?”

That’s a tough one.  I mean, I have TONS of cherished family mementos!  The word “memento” comes from the same root as “remember.”  Dictionary.com lists this definition:  “an object or item that serves to remind one of a person, past event, etc.; keepsake; souvenir.”  How does a mother pick just one?

I have spent much time and effort organizing photos into albums and now am in the process of scanning the albums into my computer so I can make digital copies for my children.  My external hard drive containing those photos would be my first priority if I had to grab something to save in case of emergency.  AFTER my hubby and doggies, of course.  Would that count as a memento?  

I will call it my photo collection, and yes, that definitely fits.  Why is my collection of family photos my most cherished possession?  Let me count the ways, as the poet says. . .(so fitting this close to Valentine’s Day)

• Looking at the photos of my family is the closest I will ever come to experiencing my children as babies again.
• Family photos are a permanent record of my family’s personal history.
• They are proof that the memories we have are of actual events in our lives.
• They are a wonderful source of embarrassment when necessary.
• They are proof that Mom and Dad actually did live through the 70’s.
• They give us something to do on a rainy afternoon.
• They will give us something to reminisce about and share when we are old.
• If you stare at a photograph long enough, you can almost make it come alive (wasn’t that wonderful in Harry Potter?).
• They give us a feeling of nostalgia, happiness, gratitude, and belonging.

Early 90’s. . .me with my kiddoes. . .

Thank you for this opportunity, Folk Magazine!