What do you collect?

​Sometimes we save things, pretty or sentimental, and hold them close to our hearts. The average person probably calls this a collection. Let me tell you, I saw many collections when I did home health house calls many years ago. People collect salt and pepper shakers, ash trays,
shot glasses and yes, even absolutely adorable Nun Dolls. The list of the items a person could collect is endless. Time is taken to display, dust and share the joy of collectables with friends and unexpected guests. It’s really not a bad thing.
 
 Well to my amazement while I was in an antique shop looking for a few more punch bowl cups, instead of seeing collections I saw stories of people’s lives. Holiday dinners were being served on these broken up collections of plates, smiles and stories about everyday lives were being exchanged.  These dishes in piles brought up visions similar to a Norman Rockwell painting, a feeling of a family bond, a rare history that some get to hold dear to their hearts and experience in their lives. That vision created a sentimental feeling in my stomach. Then the feeling shifted and it kind felt like a glowing of energy. I felt the presence of these people, their history and their lives lived in joy and sadness. It was pretty heavy; I guess this is how my brain works, or maybe it was the energy trapped inside these stacks of plates, these well made antique items.
 
Interestingly enough it was not long after this experience I was asked, “What do you collect?”  To my surprise I responded to the warm person that asked me without hesitation or thought, “Smiles, Got one for me?” Of course her smile appeared so bright and brilliant it is ingrained in my memory for life. By asking for a smile I surprised myself as well as her.  What really happened was I asked for and collected something.  Just the thought of collecting happy smiles makes me sparkle inside. So yes, I collect something precious that I hold dear to my heart, pure joy and big bright beautiful smiles!

---