The Treasure Chest (Long)

Nov 4, 2019, 4:17 PM

I believe it was about 60 years ago when my wife established The Treasure Chest. No, it was not a chest for money or things with a significant monetary value. This was a collection of small toys and items that would amuse small children. She thought of this idea when she had friends with small children come for a visit. The chest was a drawer in an end table. The children were allowed to go to the drawer and play with any items of their choosing. When the children and their parents left, all items were returned to the drawer.

My wife kept adding items to the drawer and those children who visited on a regular basis would always check for the new additions. Eventually we had grandchildren and as each one reached the exploring age, the treasure chest was a drawing card. As each grandchild reached the exploring age there were certain items that became their favorites.

During my working days my work and meetings took me to New Orleans on a frequent basis, often times during Mardi Gras. I usually collected a large quantity of beads and aluminum coins during the parades which I added to the treasure chest. When my granddaughter was about 3 or 4 years old we were keeping the grandchildren while their parents were attending a medical meeting. One of the granddaughter's favorite things was to get out those aluminum coins and spread them all over the floor. When they returned home she told her Mother (my daughter), "Papa Joe has lots of money". My daughter asked her how she knew and she responded, "Because Papa Joe lets me play with it".

The next time they came to the house, my granddaughter went directly to the treasure chest and started bringing out the aluminum coins. She took them to her Mother and said, "See, Pape Joe has lots of money". The beads? They would take the beads and hang them from their ears, something they learned from their Papa Joe.

Well, grandchildren have a way of growing up too fast but in due time, along comes the great grands and the cycle continues. They learn about the treasure chest, a chest that holds worlds of fun and excitement. Even the grandchildren look through the drawer to see if anything has been added. The beads, the aluminum coins, the wind-up dog, the wooden cars, all sorts of Clemson "stuff" are sill there plus many new items.

Last Saturday two of my great grands came up for the game. The boy (11) and girl (8), after giving Papa Joe a hug, went immediately to the treasure chest to see what was new and to check out their favorite items, And before leaving for the game, every item went back in the treasure chest.

Over these years, many, many children have learned the treasure chest is there for them. Never have they asked to take one of the items home with them and, before leaving, everything goes back into the treasure chest for the next child to explore and enjoy. They are all aware that the treasure chest was "Meo's" idea, a wonderful and graceful lady.

Message was edited by: Joe21®

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

The Treasure Chest (Long)

Dammmit Joe . . .

He 'sees' the true secret to life...

Me too, Skeeta.

Re: The Treasure Chest (Long)

Re: The Treasure Chest (Long)

Re: The Treasure Chest (Long)

Re: The Treasure Chest (Long)

The Band U2 Summed This Feeling Up As I Read I Heard This

Re: The Treasure Chest (Long)

TigerBoard POTD