A useless old key that I won’t throw away

[mount_oregano]

Decluttering may be good for you, but I have something useless, stored away in a box and half-forgotten, and I will never throw it away: the key to my late parents’ old home. They left that house twenty-five years ago.

That house … They loved living there, a small ranch home at the end of a cul-de-sac. They enjoyed its wide windows, airy sun porch, and large back yard. My mother planted a flower garden in front and a vegetable garden in back, and together they worked hard to create a charming, comfortable interior. On weekends they would visit nearby parks, go to sporting events, or simply relax at home. They were happy there.

 I lived in a nearby city, and I had the key because I could come anytime — always welcome, just walk right in — and I came when I could for holidays and visits.

My parents have died, someone else lives in that house, and I’ll never go back. Someone else might think that an old key is useless, but they never used it to walk into that happy home. 

Once, that key opened a door. Now it opens memories.

Comments

[cmcmck]

I lost both my parents recently as you are aware and although we weren't close, going back to the house I hadn't been in since I was fifteen was a very strange experience!

[mount_oregano]

I can't go back, and I'm not sure I'd want to. Reality might not fit perfectly with my memories, and I prefer my memories.

I'm glad that going to the house for you, hard though it was, had some positive outcomes. I admire your courage.

[history_monk]

I have a camera that belonged to my maternal grandfather. Within its case, there is still the distinctive scent of the house where he and grandmother lived, and I spent so many childhood summer holidays. I don't open it often. I want that memory to last.

[mount_oregano]

How lucky you are to have that! Scent can evoke powerful memories.