More than once I have been accused of being both sentimental and loyal. I plead guilty to both counts. Moreover, I believe the two would be flesh and blood relatives were that fate even possible for character traits.

I’ll give an example. I have a lot of books in my home. A number of them are signed by my father. Some are signed by my mother. Some by my grandparents, other family members. If someone offered me a million dollars for one of these books their offer would be rejected.

These books, along with an old windbreaker my Poppop (my mother’s dad) gave to me, and an array of other things, will be with me until my time in this world is over. I cannot and will not sell something that belonged to a member of my family. 

I understand people hold differing views when it comes to these things. I think that’s healthy. What’s also healthy is understanding that the mindset that works for you may not be the mindset that works for someone else, and that too is healthy.

Recently I realized I’ve been on my own, out of active family life, for more than 50 years. When you lose your family, regardless of the reasons that brought about the loss, anything connecting you to those you’ve lost becomes precious. Given that the wordprecious comes with various connotations, let’s remember, the definition of the adjective precious, according to my dictionary, is something or someone “greatly loved or treasuredby someone.”

Anything in my life with a connection to my life is precious to me. So, yes, I am sentimental. And loyal. They hold hands in my life. I’d have it no other way.