If a major catastrophe completely devastated the infrastructure of my country and I had to leave with only three items I would bring my bible, my grandmothers dinner bell, and my iphone. My bible would need to be there because I would not be sure if this new culture that I am going to will be accepting of my religion. I know that several countries do not allow certain faiths to be observed and I don’t want to lose who I am just because I am in their country. I would also bring my grandmothers dinner bell. My family is very strict about meal times and family time. The two are almost synonymous. We eat together every chance that we get. My grandmother would ring her bell to let everyone know when the food is ready. We do not use the bell anymore, since her passing, but we make reference to it all the time and still deem it important to spend time together as a family eating and fellowshipping. My iPhone is my source to almost everything. I am able to see pictures of my family, I have a bible downloaded to it, and it is my way of keeping in contact with those that are not close enough to me. While taking this device to another country could cost me a whole lot of money, I still think it is worth it for me keep in contact.
If I had to give up two of the three items I would give up the bible and the bell. While I would hate to lose the bell the most because it has been in my family for years, but I know that my grandmothers legacy will live on forever. I know that as long as two or more people are together we will take the time to eat together. We have a saying in our family that our dining tables could sell our movie. What we mean by this is that some many important things are discussed at each table that if it was sold to Hollywood, we would make a fortune. I am confident that this is a major part of my family culture that would never be lost. I would also give up my bible because I have one on my phone. While my preference is to read directly from the book, I can still read it on my iPhone. Keeping my iPhone will allow me to see pictures, and remain in contact with those that I love.
This exercise really helped me see that meals with my family really mean a lot to me! We not only limit ourselves to dinner, on Sunday mornings, we have a huge brunch, and have lunch and dinner whenever we can all get together.
While reading your blog, I was reminded of my parents dinner bell. It was out on the post of the front porch. When my brother, sister, and I were outside playing, my parents would ring it to tell us to come inside. We could hear the bell all over our neighborhood, even when we were in other people's houses. It is funny how one little thing, such as a bell, could bring back so many memories. I can still hear the sound of the ringing bell when I remember this. What an awesome story and feeling to share with my children and grandchildren! Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me of one very important part of my family heritage!!
ReplyDeleteIt was good to hear the story about your bell. It would be a pity that you could not take it with you, but as you said, she will be at the bottom of your heart for ever. I think bell has the deeper meaning than it is as a bell. It means the willingness of grandma to bring the whole family together, which is important to keep a family as a whole.With the development of economy, people rarely have quality time to spend with their families, and I do miss the time when the whole big family get together and have fun. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMonique
ReplyDeleteI think that the bell is a good thing to take with you. But my families bell was for us to get out the bed and do chores. I am glad that your bell was for a happier event than mine.
Monique,
ReplyDeleteMealtimes are very important in my family as well. We eat together whenever possible. It is something that my grandchildren love when they come to our home. We were actually together today for my granddaughter's third birthday. It was great to be able to be with family. It's been almost a month! (too long)
I agree with you about giving up the Bible. I like having it physically in my hands, but I could look things up on my laptop.