Danka's World

I love discovering new things from the past. It’s always a surprise discovery, which makes it all that much more enjoyable because I love surprises. But really, the magic of rediscovering a truth I missed the first time? Love it.

Today I decided to take advantage of nothing being scheduled in my daybook calendar to begin sorting through the crap in the garage. You know, the last 20% of stuff that doesn’t seem to get unpacked after a move. Truth be told, what I really wanted was by bag of potting soil so I could plant some windowsill herbs. The bin with the soil was at the back, on the bottom, so I have been looking forward to an opportunity to sort through a pile of bin and boxes all at once to get at it. Well the opportunity arrived and I’ve been hard at work since I dropped the kids at school.

Everything is coated in a nice thick layer of drywall dust and sawdust from the suite renovation. So I began emptying bins and washing them out, sorting stuff as I went. I came across a bin labeled ‘keepsakes’ and opened it up. I couldn’t help but smile as I surveyed the contents. The kids’ first tiny dresses and pairs of baby jeans. An aqua green sweater and bonnet combo my Mom knit for Adora. The white silk purse basket she dropped petals from at Luke and Ashley’s wedding. The silver pipe-cleaner crown from her first ballet recital. (Note to self, put some of Grace’s stuff in there!!!) And other, non child related things, like a hand-woven silk shawl my grandma weaved for me. I shook it out and put it on the dining table for a table-runner. Old school awards I earned for writing (I could write a whole post about my ‘discovery’ of those last year). Collectible magazines from “the millennium” that Matt and I decided was a good idea to purchase for posterity.

The tiny leather box from my engagement ring.

The guestbook from our wedding. I opened it up. It’s marriage week here after-all. I scanned the handwritten names and notes. I love you guys! I love you! Have fun tonight! Lots of luck kids! Congratulations!

I love the way one particular note stands out. In the midst of handwritten scrawls and loops, a single message in clear, neat and tidy capitals. BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER. A dear note from an uncle who I’m not close to. His own anniversary is on Valentines day. Sweet.

And then, my surprise lesson for the day. Growing up, birthday cards and things were often signed ‘Love Papa and Nana’ in my Nana’s handwriting. I knew Papa sent his love too, but it was my Nana who always took care of the written sentiment. It is a common thing for one spouse to sign on behalf of both. Matthew and I do it sometimes. Everybody does. It’s cute. But in the guestbook there is a line with Papa’s name written singularly, in his own handwriting. And his little note.

Ernie Sommerfeldt. Keep the cookie jar full.

I immediately put the guestbook down and went to the fridge for the butter.