Pocket Watches, Knives and Belt Buckles

The older I get the less I place a value on wealth. It’s seems that the things I once considered valuable doesn’t really seem valuable anymore. However the sentimental value of things can bring more satisfaction and comfort than all the money in the world.

I have an old pocket watch that my grandfather gave me when I was 10 years old. I carry this watch still today. The watch hasn’t ran for the past 50 years. At the end of each day as I pull the watch from a pair of faded Levi’s, it still keeps time. A time of memories with my grandfather and life on his farm. These childhood memories are locked in time of a watch that brings comfort and a sense of gratification to my life.

I also carry a pocket knife. I’ve carried a knife since I was eight or nine years old. As a country boy raised in the south a pocket knife was standard issue. I have collected a lot of different knives over the years. I still have a lot of them, like my great grandfather’s, grandfather’s and father’s knives. My father gave me a Buck knife for a graduation present. I have other knives I collected along and along. My favorite knife is a knife that my wife gave me for our tenth anniversary. I have carried this knife for the past 18 years. It’s a daily reminder of our life together and all the memories we share. When life gets difficult I reach in my pocket and hold this knife, somehow life doesn’t seem as complicated.

Levi’s, cowboy boots and a belt buckles go hand in hand. I was taught growing up that a man always wore a belt.  I wear a belt every day, I have a small collection of different belt buckles with belts. My favorite one has a picture of an American Indian, it reminds me of the statue “Appeal to the Great Spirit”. Native Americans and their history has always fascinated me. How their life and hardships should be a reminder how easily freedom can be taken away. I purchased this belt buckle in the summer of 1974 from a small country store owned by my great Uncle.  I wore this buckle through school and most of my adulthood. It’s hard to put in words but it brings me a sense of peace and strength.

These small things I cherish, have no value... but they provide security that no amount of money can. I hope my children and grandchildren can find the same wealth in these items as I do.