I got a box from the garage and put Leilani’s old artwork in. The papers had been sitting in an untidy stack on an unstable shelf and had grown to the point that not a single sheet would fit.
I remembered all the times I had bargained with her in vain about throwing out this or that. Leilani is very attached to her art. When I told her this morning, I was going to put it away, she was fine with it. L: “… but I can open the box later again?” S: “Yes, it will always belong to you and we’ll keep it safe.” L: “Maybe when I’m a teenager… but then I’ll be in school so much…” I thought it was so strange to hear that from a 5 year old.
It took me almost an hour to sort it and put it in the box. I though about the chances that someone else would see this or that piece again. Will Leilani open this box, ever? Or will I? Other than to hastily stuff in more before the move?
Even for me there were lots of memories attached to the colorful drawings and paintings and crafts. I pulled out way too many for her portfolio, and a few for gift-wrap – of course I’ll need to ask her permission first, but she usually allows it to be used for wrap and greeting cards.
I’m sad to close the box. Good thing there is plenty of art on the fridge to cheer me up.