Helen and Teacher

Helen and Teacher
The Story of my Life

Monday, September 19, 2022

The Life of Objects; Their Importance to Us

Two things  struck me last week; one was the celebration of life for a friend of mine who loved dolls, rocks, books and writing.  She was a woman after my own heart.  The second thing was a documentary of objects recovered from 9/11 sites.

My friend Rochelle loved her antique dolls. They appeared at her visitation and later at her celebration of life.  Another friend was charged with selling them and they appeared at doll ;.  I bought many.They were all the more precious because they were hers.  I took home her original Shirley Temple, even though I had several.  I knew she loved Shirley Temple, and that doll presided at Rochelle's visitation.  

When I watched the 9/11 documentary, I was touched that its creators understood the importance of objects in our lives, especially when they evoke memories.  As one commentators put it, that's why we bring back souvenirs.  As i pointed out in something I wrote, objects can later help us to remember when our memories may start to die.

The Federal Rules of Evidence allow using objects to refresh a witness's recollection. Therapy for Alzheimer's patients often involves using objects.

Collecting things serves the same purpose, and also preserves objects for the future.

Here are some ideas from the 9/11 documentary:


  • Objects preserve when memory fades
  • It discussed "the human urge to hold on to objects to preserve the past and speak to the future"
  • Objects are our bridge to the past.
For more see www.objectsandmemory.org



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