Letting go of treasures

My wife and I will celebrate 52 years of marriage next August. I find that almost beyond comprehension. That is until I see all the possessions we have accumulated in that time. How can two people possibly need so much “stuff?” It makes me think back to how little we had when we first were married. We didn’t even have any dishes or towels. Thank goodness for our wedding gifts.

When I look at all we now own, I like to classify our things as either essential items, treasures, or junk. However, categorizing our possessions can be somewhat challenging. What I consider junk may be a treasure to my wife or vice versa. It is not easy when we are now attempting to agree on what to keep and what we should toss. In any event, however, my wife and I have decided it is time to reduce our possessions.

I had assumed that we would begin by getting rid of our junk. So I was surprised when my wife, Linda, decided to give away one of her most loved treasures - an antique Singer oak treadle sewing machine that had belonged to her mother. Her mother used that sewing machine to make quilts, blankets, and wedding dresses for all her daughters, including my wife. And Linda used it for many years before buying an electric machine.

That treasured sewing machine is once again creating beautiful projects. Linda gave it to an Amish mother of nine children near Augusta. She readily accepted Linda’s gift, so we loaded it up this past fall and delivered it to her. She and her eldest daughter were thrilled to receive it, and they assured us it would get a lot of use.

Shortly thereafter, we were invited back to the Amish home to see a quilt made on the sewing machine. It was gorgeous, and it was apparent that a lot of hard work and love went into its creation. There were also plans to use the machine to make a future wedding dress. My wife was so happy to learn that her mother’s treasured sewing machine would be used for years to come.

Now it is my turn to dispense of something. I am leaning towards getting rid of most of my model train collection and some Mayberry collectibles. They seem to be serving no other purpose than collecting dust. But I will keep my 1965 Squad Car and 1966 Chevy. I think I can still have a few more years of enjoyment with them. themayberryguru@gmail.com

BE OUR

G UEST

KEN ANDERSON “THE MAYBERRY GURU”