The family treasures I run across while sorting through my genealogy collection continue to amaze me. I can’t believe all of the things I have kept over the years. I suppose that’s because I was one of those pack rat kids who could find sentimental value in the most trivial of trinkets.

I actually ran across a trinket last night that brought a smile to my face.  The trinket brought me joy not only for the memories that are tied to it, but also because I’m sure that no one else thought to save a napkin as a memento of the day.

Chris and Darla Dew Wedding Napkin

That’s right; my memento is an 18 year old napkin.  It isn’t just an ordinary napkin, though – it is a wedding napkin that was printed with my cousin’s nuptial information on it.  I’m not sure why I didn’t keep my invitation or a wedding program… I suppose my 12 year old brain didn’t work that way.  I was more interested in the cake table (which is where I snagged my napkin).

The memory of the cake table flooded me with other memories from the day.  I remember my Mamaw and Papaw coming to Wilmington for the weekend to attend the wedding – they brought my baby sister with them and I happily played with her during the ceremony and reception.  I remember my cousin, Keith, dressed in his tuxedo standing beside his brother in front of the preacher.  I remember Chris and Darla posing with various family members for their wedding photos.  My clearest memory of the day was watching Evan play the lead guitar during Wipe Out at the reception – it was the first time I ever realized how truly talented he was.

It’s amazing how many memories can come flooding in after seeing something as ‘trivial’ as a napkin…  and leaves one with the feeling that somethings are more important than we give them credit for.