I felt down recently. I was depleted of positive energy, drained and feeling blue. Before I sunk into lethargy, I remembered my treasure box!

Years earlier, when I went on cleaning splurges, I started saving little memorabilia in a box – things I didn’t want to throw away…just yet. Each one helps me recall happy, funny moments – and I would think to myself: “I can toss it later.”

That was how my treasure box started!

It “grew” and I now have two boxes! I’m a bit of a packrat but now that I’m older, I’m really happy that I saved these treasures!  When I have my down spells, I bring out my two treasure boxes.

Here are just a handful of things that I find when I look through these boxes:

Treasure #1: The Letter from Mr. Robertson

Mr. Robertson (September 1958) was the principal of the high school I attended. In the letter, Mr. Robertson congratulates me on all the scholarships and bursaries I received and notifies me of additional bursaries. Tucked inside that envelope, there are also the cheque stubs two for $50, two for $70… This may not seem like a lot of money but when I added them all up, it was enough for me to go to university for a year. Having grown up in poverty because of the internment, this was a huge deal.

Mr. Robertson worked hard to make sure I went to university. In Grade 12, I remember being called into his office. He asked what my plans were after Grade 12.

I said: “Either hairdressing or secretarial school.”

He responded: ‘Young lady, that would be a crime! Sit down here and look through this scholarship and bursary book and write down ALL you qualify for.”

I owe Mr. Robertson a great debt of gratitude! Those scholarships and bursaries totally changed the trajectory of my life.

Treasure #2: My UBC University Yearbook

There is an autograph book from university days. When I leaf through it, I recall the good times at UBC, the many young women in Bollert Hall and wonder where they all are now…

Treasure #3: A Card from my Daughter, Naomi

I have a card that my oldest daughter, Naomi, made in kindergarten with a snowman on the front. Inside it says “Joyeux Noel et Heureuse Annee Maman et Papa Naomi.“ It’s dated Dec. 1974. It helps me remember what a wonderful child Naomi was (and is) and how much joy she brought and continues to bring to my life!

Treasure #4: A Note from my Son, Sean

I come across a printed note (dated Feb 1979) that says:

Mom and Dad Naomi was down stairs. Naomi was waching t.v.!   Fonzey Love Sean Thuesday.

Sean was good at writing notes. I remember how he wrote to the tooth fairy asking for a raise. So instead of a nickel, the tooth fairy left everyone a dime! Ask and ye shall receive.

When I look at that note, I remember so many things about Sean growing up. I picture him as a little boy crawling at top speed, bumping into the wall and changing direction without hesitation. I use to marvel at his powers of concentration. Long after other kids had gone on to other things, Sean would determinedly stay the course until the task had been completed to his satisfaction.

Treasure #5: An Anniversary Card from my daughters, Rachel and Kirsten, and their Best Friend, Marina

At the top is a special card that my daughters, Rachel and Kirsten and an “adopted” daughter, Marina, made for me in 1985. It has chocolate and candy wrappers crammed on the front. When I open it up, in very neat printing, it says :

We bought you candy but then we remembered

that you need high fiber and low sugar, so…

thoughtfully, we ate them and left you the wrappers to smell.

Happy Anniversary! Rachel, Kirsten, Marina

And these are only a handful of the many treasures I have collected over the years.

So whenever I’m feeling down, I pull out these treasures and it doesn’t take long to chase away the blues!  Over the years, these mementos have “saved” me; they have helped me remember the countless wonderful times in my life.

Now I have drawings and paintings from my eight precious grandchildren to save as well. I think I need a new box!

We would love to hear if you have a treasure box or if you have any other strategies to help stay on the positive side…please let us know in the comments below!

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