Deanna Beaver
Confessions of a professional saver. Sure, I like a good sale to save money. But I’m talking about keeping things. My grandchildren, Haley, 3 ½, and Elijah, 19 months, may have some vintage Little Tike Toys from my attic. Just saying.
IYKYK. I hear the laughter right now of some of my old colleagues reminiscing about my saving school materials—you never know when one student might benefit from that unique technique, book, or strategy.
My writer friends will concur that books are a collection of honor, whether they have been read once, several times, or just in the “To Be Read” pile. I am constantly purchasing books from author friends to show support. You may be one of the lucky recipients of some of these books. I only give the best!
My most treasured saves are cards my family or friends gave me over the years. Let me bend your ear on this habit.
Many years ago, I had a principal instruct her staff to keep a “Happy Folder” with positive correspondence from administrators, colleagues, and students’ parents. The purpose was to reflect on these accolades when we received negative communication from a disgruntled parent, etc. Reading the positive notes negated the negative vibes at times.
Over the years, I transferred that habit to saving my cards and letters. I put Christmas cards in albums to watch my friends and family grow throughout the years. As life would have it, family, jobs, and other responsibilities caused me to stuff these keepsakes in Ziplock bags. I had planned to deal with these at a more convenient time. I’m still waiting for that coveted time.
The other day, I was cleaning out one of my closets and came across said bags. Thirty minutes later, I had weeded through and discarded only a few random cards. The joy I felt after rereading the uplifting and encouraging cards and letters outweighed the need for more space. Just saying.
With technology on the rise, messages can get buried in threads and eventually erased. How can I discern which memory to discard?
Do you have something special that you saved? Let me know in the comments.
I am not a “saver” but after reading this, I just might start. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly, thank you for responding. Now that you’re a MiMi, you will definitely begin the saving folder, box, etc. Just saying.
I keep a “Happy Folder” too! Love to reread for a good boost and smile!
Susan, AOT! You are a great encourager for others. I’m glad people recognize and gift you with these accolades.
Like you I save cards , but use them throughout the year for bookmarks or to make lists on for later!
Patty, that’s agreat idea. I save the covers of some of the random ones for my grands to make their own cards. Book marks may be on the list soon.
I have saved many of the positive notes I received throughout my teaching career. I do enjoy looking at photos and reading notes from parents and students from all the years I taught school. I always smile when I take time to look back at those happy memories.
Gina, Mary Ann Albrecht knew what she was taking about when she suggested the “Happy Folder.” Those notes keep us grounded and appreciated.
Same! I will let you know when I start going through my bags…
Maggie,
I know what you mean. It’s easier to look the other way. I’m sure there will come a time that you may want to reminisce.
I have an album for each year that I taught with all the happy notes, cards and pictures from that year! It has been fun when those students come back as the years go by or when I get a high school graduation invite and I can pull out a picture or a sweet note of when I taught them and share with them. In fact, today I started a book from the pile of my “to be read novels when I retire,” and a 5 X 7 picture of me and a student fell out. That student had just graduated this year and I had gone to her party. I guess I had stuck the picture in the book back then when I bought it! Funny! Thanks for this reminder of why I did it!
Robyn, I’m happy to oblidge. Great minds think alike. I know your students appreciated your taking the time and effort to save and return these special memories.
I’m a keeper of happy things. Cards from family, students and their parents, and friends are treasures held in desk drawers and boxes. Photo albums from times gone by are always prizes to look through when family comes to visit. At holiday time, I still smile when hanging ornaments given as gifts dating as far back as the early 80s. And these days, I have gems from my grandchildren all over my house reminding me that time is fleeting. I need to gather and save all I can to record all our lives and continue to make precious memories along the way.
Marti, that is what I’m talking about! I feel we need some tangible memories to jar the past.
With a new grandson I have enjoyed seeing him wear outfits our son wore (31 years ago) & being wrapped in crotched blanket my made for me. It made my heart swell with joy! I might have a whole set of yellow Tonka toys ~ yes I saved them.
My favorite gifts have always been cards! So this year I promised myself I would write notes to the people who impacted my lives ~ teachers, 4H leaders, Sunday school teachers, mentors, etc. I the cards find a happy folder!
Missy, I concur. It’s so special to see your grandchildren in one of your children’s outfits. It’s like a time warp! You are certainly the giver of special cards. I think it would be delightful to get a note from someone that I made an impact on many years ago. Great idea.