Tag: heirlooms

Honoring the Past

by Mershon Niesner

I am bound to them, though I cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices. I honor their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them. Author unknown

In 1990, our home was robbed. The burglars took nearly all of my regular and heirloom jewelry (five pillow cases full) and all of our electronics. Because of this event, I have only a few precious things that belonged to my mother and grandmother who both died in their 30’s. With granddaughters of my own growing up, it’s time to begin to pass on these few heirlooms.

Even though they never knew these women, I want my children and grandchildren to remember them, know their stories, and honor their history. This Christmas I’m passing on a little ring stored in the finger of a leather glove that belonged to my mother and, perhaps, her mother. It is for my oldest granddaughter, Kavita. Her mother, my daughter, is named for these two women. May the ring be a symbol to help her remember the past.

Affirmation: I remember.

Coaching questions: What helps you remember the past? What will you do to pass the memories on? 

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Tokens of Our Past

by Mershon Niesner

I have over five thousand costumes and props and cars, and I have a twenty-five thousand square foot warehouse full of memorabilia. Debbie Reynolds, actress

Unlike Debbie, I’m not a collector of stuff.  I do, however, always wear a diamond ring that belonged to my grandmother and my mother, both died in their 30’s, both were named Winnifred (my mom was called Winnie).

I wear the ring because I love it, because it keeps me connected to my ancestors, and it’s one of the few things I own that belonged to these lovely ladies. Twenty-five years ago I had all of my heirloom jewelry stolen. This ring survived because it was on my finger and I keep it there in fear of losing it. What special remembrance pieces do you value?

Affirmation: I honor my ancestors.

Coaching questions: Is there something that belonged to someone in your past that is especially meaningful to you? Why is it important? Take a moment to think about the connection.