On my chest of drawers sits a small, black 35-year old bank book. Well, it turned 35 in February.
It speaks for itself, really. A gesture of young parents, desperate to make their child's life better than theirs. It seems simple, and to some whose wealth is measured in dollar signs instead of love, it seems paltry.
There's nothing insignificant in this gesture. Look beyond $20 being a good portion of my father's paycheck in 1977. Don't stop at the incremental deposits, none more than the original, or even close for that matter.
What I see is what I feel. The love of two young, nervous souls fighting against everything laid in their path. I see the truth of love, mixed in second hand polyester bell bottoms and sail-sized collared shirts, spaghetti dinners, bologna sandwich lunches, Jackson Browne on the 8-track with the windows down and the untold future blowing through their hair.
"We'll be alright," in her ear at midnight, he'd say as she fell asleep on his shoulder, unsure of the truth or a way to the next week's meals.
What I see in the savings book, I feel. Not in the desperation, but in the determination.
This is a great post! You really hit home when you wrote about the determination that this simple check register symbolizes. Who knew an actual check register could be a rich artifact that means so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Mandy @ The Chockboard
ThiIs is such lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI think years ago people were more determined to see things through and to work hard to provide for their families. Sadly that's not always the case nowadays. We live in a time where people think that they have a right to a decent living without having to put in the required effort. They somehow feel that society owes them.
My parents were like yours. Worked hard and saved for the future. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of the challenge.
Ditto what Denise said, top to bottom. You bring so much heart to this, and do a pitch-perfect job building the moments.
ReplyDeleteI'm not just reading about another time and place--I'm there.
Love the imagery you bring to this - I can almost feel the crisp crinkle of polyester and the crackle from the 8 track tape! Simple and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy A - Z-ing !
I loved the beginning, the middle and the end. You brought an entire life in front of our eyes.
ReplyDelete--Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
PS: pls turn off your word verification to make it easier to comment---you might consider comment moderation instead if you're unsure :)
how very sweet.I hope my kids look back at us that way
ReplyDeleteMimi Torchia Boothby Watercolors
Sweet post. Great memory. Meaningful artifact.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
Thanks for all the great feedback and wonderful compliments. And most of all, thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteBill