Prized

The recent floods around here got me thinking. The creek behind my house was rising and at one point completely covered the jogging path on the other side. It is flood controlled, so I didn't anticipate that it would actually get close to the house. I have seen this house through two "hundred year floods", and the creek did not get close to the house. But I learned from New Orleans, and I started thinking what I would grab if forced to evacuate quickly.

I don't know if you have a favourite object. I'm not speaking here of pets at all -- they are people to me and I would save them without a thought. I'm talking about an object. Mine is a nondescript thing that no one would glance at twice were it lying in the street. It may or may not have monetary value, but I wouldn't dream of selling it. I will probably end up giving it to someone who needs it eventually. But for now, it's mine.

I got it from my cousin, who was with the Army and collected it himself. My mother has a picture of him getting it. He balked at first, but my mother, to whom he could refuse nothing, insisted. He gave me one. I had visited there, I had my memories, and this meant a great deal to me.

I enjoy taking this out and handing it to people while broadly proclaiming it to be my most prized possession. Some pick up on what it is right away. Others turn it over on their palm and puzzle over it. "A piece of concrete. With purple paint on it. Yeah...."
As soon as I tell them what it is, their demeanor changes. They begin to handle the object with reverence, looking at it again in a new light.

The day the creek flooded, it was in my case with my altar implements, still packed from the vigil for my Dad. That case and this computer went with me to work that day. I know my priorities.

So, I ask you. What Is my most prized possession? Then again, do you have a prized possession? What would it be?