Treasure has enchanted people for centuries. To find treasure is something that attracts the attention of most people no matter how old they are. Who doesn't want to find a collection of valuable objects? Who doesn't want to find things intentionally hidden or just unwittingly buried.
Well I found treasure the other day while cleaning out Russ' closet.
But first.... years ago I was doing a WATER themed unit with my kindergarten class. It was science, math, writing, art, music and poetry. In amongst the activities I brought in my canoe and placed it, some paddles and some life jackets in the middle of the room. The kids learned how to safely enter and exit, how to keep a steady position and to dream of going out on the water. The unit ended with a canoe trip to Blueberry Lake; two grown-ups (bow and stern) and 1 student sitting in the center of each canoe. Parents brought canoes and it was a day of exploring, sheer childish joy.
My current tale of an ignited imagination and my delight was a bit different. I didn't have any clue what I had found. I was not filled with an explosion of joy. I was filled with the need to investigate, to find out what I was holding in my hand. I had been driven to delve into Russ' closet to prepare for some work I was having done on the house. I had been avoiding opening the doors and even cracking them a tiny bit washed me in sadness and slammed me with my new reality. I wasn't ready to face either, but time and circumstance brought an end to my procrastination. It was time....
In the closet was a metal box, old, with dents, scratches and worn paint. I believe this too is treasure, but not what I was focused on. (I think this is an old bank box for deeds, cash and documents).
I am enchanted with this piece of history. I am so glad that in the difficult task of emptying Russ' closet I was able to find treasure; a way to smile because Russ has always kept things that meant something to him. I wonder what this meant to him? Why did he have it? Was it something passed down through generations or was it just something he found and appreciated. I wish I had found this when he was alive, but now it is in the category of treasure, a piece of Russell he left behind.