If I was ever in a circumstance of being a refugee and was instructed to bring only three items with me. I would select a family album, an old family Bible, and a crochet blanket. A family album is filled with photographs of my family, myself, and older family members (grandparents, great grandparents). An old family Bible was given to me when my parents divorced. It is white and 3 inches to four inches thick. It has my parents and grandparents' writings in it. Lastly, a crocheted blanket was made by my mother as a Christmas gift to me and my husband. Nothing beats a hand-made gift. It is about king size and has my favorite colors (maroon and dark blue).
A family album is something that I love having. Every picture tells a story. I could elaborate the story by looking at the pictures and walking the memory lane. My grandmother always did that when I was a child. She described the setting, the persons, and how much they loved me. I would do the same. It makes me feel connected to my family.
An old Bible has my father's last name engraved on it. My grandparents passed it down to my parents on their wedding day. Even though my parents divorced, my mother believed that I should have it based on the birth order (I am the oldest). One day I went through the Bible. I found an old photograph and a letter in it. I left it where I found it. It is kind of a treasure. Bible itself is about God and lessons that I learn to understand God and myself better. This would help me becoming a better person.
A crocheted blanket is important because it came from my mother's heart. She made it with her hands. It keeps me warm during the cold nights. Everyone in my family knows that I get cold easily just like my aunt. It's hereditary. I learned how to crochet from my mother.
If I was told to sacrifice two items, I would let blanket and Bible go with wretched feelings. It is a piece of who I am, but I know that I can find a blanket and Bible. Also, my blanket would keep someone else warm. The Bible would teach someone else. I carry verses in my heart and I will always find a Bible somewhere. Family album cannot be replaced, so that is something I would keep.
From this experience, I realized that I am sharing things that my parents and grandparents shared with me. Whatever I've learned and practiced are part of my whole being. If I ever was told to change to be like everyone else, I would defy with honest heart.
Hi Chrissy,
ReplyDeleteWe chose very similar objects. I also chose my Bible and family photos. It is a very humbling thought to think of starting a new life without the comforts, consistency, and predictability of our own culture. You made a great observation that you are sharing things that your family shared with you and those form the person you have become.
Thank you for sharing those special items with us, I loved the pictures you added in your description. Pictures are always a good way of representing our culture, values and traditions. They are like a history of our life, family and events. Pictures are also a way of remembering and sharing with others what we did, where we went and what is important to us.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and learning about the significance of each item. Your context carries much passion as it represents your culture. I really don't think anything could replace our family's memories, values, or culture. It sounds as if yours were built on a very strong foundation. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteChrissy
ReplyDeleteWhen thinking about my three items, the bible was one of them but I thought of other items that will be hard for me to find in another strange county. It is really difficult to give up one item because as you said your bible is very sentimental to you because it was passed on with your father's name engraved on it. This made me think of how families and children feel when they have to assimulate to a dominant culture. It is hard to give up something that is valuable.
Hey Chrissy
ReplyDeleteI think when it comes to the bible and photos those are things we could never forget. We can close our eyes and sometimes actually recall the times when those pictures were taken or when the bible was given to us or here the words that was said as the bible was given to us. Your blanket I see mean alot to you and I have a symboilic blanket myself and no matter what season or where I am I have to take that blanket with me.