I'm among the many people in the world who collect books.1
I must admit, I've not read them all; not even half. It's just something about having access to hundreds of stories, and hordes of information.2
Over the years, I've been a member of what seems, countless book clubs; and the scientific ones attracted me most. I have sunk no small fortune in books.3
It was last year when I realized it was time to discard some of the things in life that are no longer beneficial. That included, most of all, books. I sat cross-legged in front of one of several bookshelves in the house, and sorted some out, which is easier said than done. One of the few I found no longer useful, is one called "Graphic Standards of Solar Energy". I know I will never use any of the vast information contained in the book. All the formulas, charts, and graphs will never be used. Any calculations in it, can now be solved to the nth degree on my computer, literally in the wink of an eye. A book I will never use.4
But I opened it up to look through it one more time before discarding it, and realized, I would never be able to part with it.5
Years ago, as a young father, I came home to find a little boy, two, maybe three years old, squatting on the floor next to my bookshelf with a black crayon stuffed in his fat little hand. Above his round cheeks were two very dark, very scared eyes. And in a valuable book, he had added his black graphics to those in the pages.6
I'm sure I became angry and yelled. Perhaps even swatted him, I don't remember. There are things in life I don't want to remember.7
But now, looking back through the pages of the book, I am disappointed to find only eleven pages of the swirling art work. How I wish that little one was back to add more. Instead, I will have to wait for the next generation to come, for that little boy has grown, and is now a member of the US Marines.8
Do you not find it interesting, that someone can take clay, form it into a pot, lose it in the sand, and have it dug up centuries later as something of great value? In a similar way, a little toddler scribbling in a book, has turned it into a heirloom.9
The art I held in my hand can never again be created with such vigor and thrill he no doubt had. No. The book was placed back on the shelf. Priceless art must be kept.10
What did you think? Please comment!
Comments
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Have always enjoyed this, D. I commented a couple years back, but recall reading this many years ago. This is life, and the true value of life, those little things we might consider of little importance become what is most important to us. My grandmother, Julia Varner, kept a burn mark that her daughter, and my aunt, made on a piece of furniture when she was a little girl. I remember dusting the furniture and asking Gran about the "blemish" and if she planned on having it fixed. She smiled at me and told me, "No. That's a memory I want to keep, just like it is." I was maybe 11 years-old at the time and what she said made me think, as she was thinking, and that's when my understanding of the "little things," became crystal clear. Material things became insignificant and more so as the years passed and I raised my own two children. This true story you have written will always stay with me too, as my grandchildren come along, and others who are willing to glean from such a powerful message, learn from it, adopt it into a way of life and pass it along as they go. Some will, some won't. But, I will try to help them all understand, nonetheless, and will be content in the fact that I've shared something of incredible value, and will go on from there. Your story and my own will be shared, have been, and will continue. Thanks again for such an insightful write. It's timeless and priceless. Love to you and Therese! Miss you!--Kel
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I have stacks of priceless kindergarden art in my atic.And look at it often as it brings so many smiles to my face.. I would of never known you was here if I had not looked and seen you had me on your favorite list.
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Hey, D, I've been here, exactly! Always loved it when you told this to us in person. Been missing you, Dear Friend! You are so loved, as well as those connected to your circle of life. Never forget that. Love, light and truth!--Kel
K(M(J
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I also collect books and just the other day had to throw some out but none had any crayon on them. I had to throw away alot of my old stuff that to me were priceless but to my mom were junk. Some parents like the memories but others dont, I wonder why? Well anyways good write! -
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really enjoyed the heartwarming, insightful message in this. This made me think of my own books for I too collect, & I have a daughter on the way, perhaps she will scribble her little heart's content upon the pages of my books -
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memories......yes that is priceless..the subconscious and intimate actions of man are so much more valuable then material, distant objcts which books often are...well written -
Priceless art test
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