From fish scales to an ironing board

[Sandra Davies]

When I was born, in my grandmother’s house, at five minutes to midnight, five days before Christmas, my father was in Alexandria. I still have the telegram with its strips of punched words which informed him of my safe arrival, and also the spring balance fish scales used to weigh me which had belonged to my father’s grandfather Luther.

Luther’s son was pictured with my grandmother Dora on their wedding day, 4th June 1914, holding the top hat which is now in a box with a hinged lid in a cupboard in my bedroom, along with decorations from the wedding cake.

It’s some years since I saw the brass stamp Dora used to mark her shortbread biscuits, but whenever I do find it I know I’ll be able to taste those biscuits again, feel them melt in my mouth and hear her airy little laugh as she helped me onto the chair in the kitchen, and tied a blue and white apron around my middle.

My ironing board is older than I am: although the original square of asbestos has been replaced by a piece of unpainted windowsill, and the blanket and sheet covering the board many times since, the board itself, the frame, the hinges, the bolts and the now-rusty screws are those my father used when he made it, soon after he married my mother.

I have looked at my own ‘things’ and tried to imagine which, if any, of them my children might treasure, or even just keep for its usefulness, however, I suspect that I am as likely to be as bemused by their choices as the owners of the above would be, if only they knew.

[M.A.P.S.]

I keep almost everything and after reading this, I will probably keep even more. I don't have children, but I can only hope that one day a niece or nephew (which I don't have yet) will feel the same way about my things. This is extraordinary.

[Harry]

It's interesting the things we decide are heirlooms. I wonder what of all the disposable stuff we collect today will be gathered up too. Your Six made my mouth water for shortbread, find that stamp!

[Mike Handley]

Random thoughts twisted together and tied with a remarkable last sentence -- the bow that makes the package!

[Joe Gensle]

yes, brilliant as said by Shauna. They're thoughts I've had on the small family things I treasure if only for my forebears use or simply possession of them. They'll outlast me, and realistically, sadly, be on eBay with my passing.

[Jenny]

the title is a prize in itself, the images and memories priceless.

[shauna mcclure]

damn, sandra...i simply loved this - the characters, the phrasing, the mind set...f'ing brilliant.

[Teresa]

I loved touching these momentos as I read. This was rich and warm. I would so enjoy going through your photographs with you pointing people out, telling little asides and the stories that go with each item you've saved. I value true substance over monetary value. I see that you do as well.

[Angela]

You know what a fan I am of your descriptions. I felt like touching each of these items, to find the special weight they have for you. Lovely, Sandra.

[Robert Crisman]

I liked this one a lot. Somehow, there seems to be, in the consideration of these objects, the love that has existed among the generations in your family, and of the life led. Very nice.