my grade 6 box

Have you ever come across something that was yours many many years ago? Perhaps it was something you wrote (diary), something you made (half knitted mitten) or something you absolutely loved (a baby blanket). What was that feeling like when you found it? Nostalgia, longing to be back, denial of what was?

My parents sorted through all our basement boxes today. When I got home from work I was informed that 14 boxes were mine. 2 for each of my brothers. What can I say... I'm a keeper. I only had enough energy to skim the tops of a few. Old report cards, classic. Little albums of photos taken back in the day when pictures were a surprise until they came back from the photo lab in envelopes of 24. My old school agendas containing far more gossip than homework instruction. A note written to my mum (with my new calligraphy set) asking for permission to go with my crush to Second Cup, but it wasn't a date... how embarrassing.

Oh grade 6 box, I don't know who filled you with these things because that girl can't possibly have been me. Not the world-traveling, dread-sporting, organic/gluten-free/vegetarian-eating, yoga-practicing, facebook-updating me. Who was that girl in grade 6? Do we all feel this disconnected from our once-selves? It's unnerving and yet, inspiring to take a glimpse back. There's a lot that I could teach that poor girl today.

Maybe there's a lot that girl can teach me.