In our throwaway, 21st-century world, there are fewer and fewer family heirlooms.
I have a gold pocket watch that belonged to my maternal grandfather who operated a country store in Middle Tennessee. I also have the American flag that draped my Army sergeant father’s coffin.
Our house has several pieces of furniture made by my wife’s father – a dining room table, a desk and a rocking chair, among them – that will no doubt be cherished by our two sons one day.
But that’s about it for keepsakes.
If you don’t mind a gentle suggestion, why don’t we all resolve – today – to hang a COVID-19 mask on our Christmas tree, and then pack it away with the other ornaments when the holidays are over. (If you don’t celebrate Christmas, improvise.)