What Makes it a Keeper?

I'm a purger. It may seem (like to my mother) that I get rid of things without giving it much thought. But the truth is that I'm deliberate about it. The stuff I pass on, I either don't need or don't treasure.

I have simple criteria for what elevates something to a keepsake. For starters, almost all are things that were passed down.

They fit into two categories. The first is stuff that's stylie and functional (thank you, Ima, for the mid-century sofa and chairs and the 1970's complete set of dishes). These are things I love seeing -- and re-using.

The second are top-tier possessions, each one with a story. Like Grandma's necklace with her lucky number 13 charm -- the day she met the love of her life. And Bubbie's bracelet that my father gave her, with a heart charm inscribed with, "To Mother, with love. Barry Ross 5-12-57." And the Shabbat candlesticks we used every Friday night growing up and that we now light in our home. 

And without a doubt, my parents love letters - that are filled with stories - written to to me and my siblings are absolute keepers....for generations to come. 

The common thread is that each of these treasures has a story. Sure, without the stories, they're still lovely pieces. But with the stories, they take on more meaning. They deepen connection.

You bet I'll be passing down each of these keepsakes to my kids,  along with their stories. That's what makes these treasures priceless.

What are the stories behind your treasures?