How do we put a value on something? Is it what it would cost to buy it? to replace it? to remake it?
Have you ever had an item that was lost or given away and you found one "just like it" and got it - but it just wasn't the same?
We may value something based on how much we'd get if we sold it, who it belonged to, how we received it, how we would feel if we lost it. In other words, what it means to us.
This was brought home a while back when Facebook jogged my memory with a picture of my first ever handknit shawl. 13 years ago, I blocked this shawl and took a picture as a memento of the accomplishment. That shawl was valuable to me because it was a major finished project, it had some lacework that I'd never attempted before and it was my first ever shawl. I never wore it, but I valued it because it represented a milestone in my crafting life.
A few years later I gave it to my mom who was in assisted living. I don't know if she ever got much use out of it, but it was of value to her because I made it by hand.
Later, that shawl came back to me after my mom had died. I set it aside and didn't think much of it - until Facebook reminded me of its beginning, 13 years ago.
I knew right where it was so I took a look at it - it was smaller, as it had shrunk up and wasn't blocked out. I also saw a couple of holes in the shoulder area - must be from going through the wash at assisted living and being hung on a hanger. At face value - it wasn't valuable at all! In fact, it should just be tossed.
But, I hesitate because of what it represents to me. No, not really. I would still maybe toss it (or if it was in great condition I would give it away). No, it's valuable to me because of whose it was.
Now there's no intrinsic value in the yarn and especially not the holes in the shawl. I may not keep it - but I'll hold onto it for a while yet. Yes, I'm one of those sentimental people who have a hard time getting rid of things that I no longer need - especially if it has a special meaning to me. I am getting better at that, but still I'm in no big hurry to do it. I may ponder it a bit, reminisce. I may even take a better picture so I at least keep the memory without the physical object.
My memories of the shawl, of mom will always be part of me. That's what matters - more than a physical object.
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