If my immediate family and I were survivors of a catastrophe and there was a possibility that we had to be relocated to other countries by the government permanently and allowed to take one change of clothes and three small items only; I would choose to take the following items that I hold dear and that represent my culture: 1) A silver locket that I will pass down to my oldest daughter that contains a picture of my great-grandmother (African/Cherokee), grandmother, and great-aunt. My children only met my grandmother but did not have an opportunity to the others, all of which are no longer in the physical world, but everything I am is because of these three women and I have information passed to me through them that I can share and hopefully my daughters will share with their children some day. 2) A dark blue photo album with Pierce Family engraved on it that contains pictures of my family reunions from the first to the most recent that show the fun, love, growth, and importance of family. 3) My white with gold trim sorority bible given to me during my years in college. I believe in any culture no matter what language is spoken we can find kinship in a higher power, service toward those in need, and an opportunity to learn about the history of African American Greek organizations in general.
My feelings if, upon arrival, I was told that I could only keep one personal item and had to give up the other two items I brought with me would initially be resistant! I would have questions and probably be loud, argumentative, and angry. I would try my best (with my husband in my ear saying "calm down") to fight to take at least two of these items.
Insights that I have gained as a result of this exercise is the thought process I had to go through in regards to what items I would take with me. If these items were destroyed during the catastrophe then I would get over it in time but I always have my knowledge of my family culture to share with others. Honestly, the only three important parts of my culture would be my husband and my two daughters, because nothing could replace them!
Hello Shelita! I loved the tree items that you have chosen to keep with you! It appears they all have sentimental value and are very important to you and your family! I too would do a number of screams, shouts, and kicks if told I had to downsize to one item!! :) Hopefully we will never be put in that predicament; but it's important that we understand the struggle of those who have! Nice post sweetie!
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