Fielder's Choice

It was a day of uncovering memories at the Burleson home Saturday. Our oldest two children, Emma and Andy, made a visit that had been planned for several months.

The overriding purpose was to go through lots of boxes of “stuff” so they could take what they wanted back to their respective homes.

They had both previously made some hauls. This was a follow-up. And there still may be another one or two.

I guess it’s just another of life’s steps. One thing is for certain ­ it brings joy and laughter, plus some sadness and tears.

Andy and I started downstairs in a storage closet. Pam and Emma started upstairs, in the study, going through lots and lots of books.

At times, they’d shout, “Hey, come look at this.”

And a few minutes later Andy and I would follow, “Hey, y’all come downstairs. Y’all have to see this.” Thank goodness for old photos. We don’t do those much anymore. We just keep them stored in our phone or on our computer.

We uncovered lots from our children’s pre-school and elementary years ­ from Aberdeen and Laurel, which Emma and Andy first experienced, and then from Holly Springs, when our youngest Erin came along.

I definitely cherished some I saw of all three of my children with my mother. She played a big part in their upbringing as they often visited her in Alabama.

Plus, there were lots of school day photos, certificates, report cards and trophies highlighting their many accomplishments in the classroom and in sports and other extracurricular activities.

We found books that Pam and I read to all three of our children when they were small ­ like “He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown” and “Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory.”

Andy and I also discovered the “Beginner’s German Dictionary.” We took a trip to Germany when Andy and Emma were ages 2 and 5 to visit Pam’s sister and brother in-law. It was wonderful. We also later found a class project on Germany from their school days, with lots of photos from our trip together there.

There was lots of artwork — some done at school and some at home.

There was one of Andy’s favorite caps, Goofy, from a trip to Disney World.

He also found several special letters from the late Faye Sanders of Slayden. She wrote personal, inspirational messages to each basketball player during his high school years.

Pam and Emma found lots of treasured items handed down from Pam’s mom and dad. It’s great that our children want to take some of those items and cherish them, too.

Near the end of our downstairs adventure I found a tiny book. Its title was “Coupon book for Daddy,” and its words were written in crayon by Erin many years ago.

“This coupon is for me picking up pinecones and sticks in the yard.” I don’t think I used it. I think I may cash it in the next time she comes home from college.

“This coupon is good for getting a kiss from me.”

“This coupon is good for getting a hug from me.”

Thank goodness, I’ve never needed a coupon for those kisses and hugs.