Precious Papers

Beyond valuable, I have things in my possession that money can't buy.
I have a picture of an angel colored with all the precision that a two year old Angel could muster. Lines are mere suggestions that should be crossed and recrossed with reckless abandon. Any color and all colors are applicable for the face, wings and gown in this particular precious paper masterpiece. This Sunday school art made by my daughter almost fifteen years ago, will always be precious to me.

The words , " I Love You" and " I WILL Always Love You", clip away at me like pruning shears. The delicate flower of flowing feminine handwriting written by the hand of the only woman I have ever loved. These are clippings of letters that I received at the beginning of my bid. Written proof that She once cared before the enforced pruning by her preening parents lopped me from the family tree. They forgive their own monsters and hang outlaw in-laws from the denuded branches.

A Captain America bookmark, with the almost legible signature of my favorite superhero. The go to guy for mutual comic book admiration. To send me this talisman, creates a magical Aura of love in this hateful place. A nine year old's treasure of a now 24 year old man is my kryptonite. All you have to do is wave it in my face, and I just die.

Letters from my name sake contains promises of future plans that include me. I hold onto these like winning lotto tickets. Worth more than millions is the hope of time with my children. Ping-pong balls bouncing in my chest as the magic numbers decline each day. Although it's so many years away, this precious paper says I've already won.

My daughter the groundhog, our little joke, her being born on groundhog day.
Her letter of love and forgiveness sets the forecast that winter is over and spring is on the way. This ferocious female makes me so proud. She's not afraid of anything, why would she be afraid of her own shadow? A Red Sonja warrior that has always walked her own path. I've never feared her following the crowd. So I'll keep this written precious paper premonition of sunny days in our future.

These are the most valuable things I own.