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The Nickel That Journeyed Through Time
In the realm of small objects, a nickel can hold profound significance. The nickel in my possession dates back to 1905 and is adorned with a prominent “V” on its reverse side, signifying it as a Victory nickel. This coin is notably smaller and lighter than current five-cent pieces, its surface smooth from years of handling. However, this particular nickel has been untouched for decades, resting in a small white jar with a black lid, stored within a metal box at the residence of Ms. Clara Brooks near Oxford, Mississippi.
This nickel embodies the spirit of a quote by Abraham Lincoln: “The written word may be man’s greatest invention. It allows us to converse with the dead, the absent and the unborn.” It serves as a poignant reminder of the connections we maintain through time and memory.
A few weeks prior, I shared a story about my Chinese-American grandmother, who lived for 65 years in a small town in the Mississippi Delta. I didn’t anticipate much readership; however, the piece resonated within the Delta community, connecting with old friends, classmates, and even strangers. Among them was Clara Brooks, who reached out after discovering my article online. She shared a touching memory of my uncle, who drowned at age 12, and how her brother, William, attended the funeral and brought home a nickel as a memento.
Clara recounted, “My brother, Michael Brooks, forwarded the article by your daughter. When she mentioned the Chinese tradition of leaving a nickel at the cemetery, it triggered memories. My late brother, William, attended Tommy’s funeral and took home a nickel. Our mother, Louise, kept that nickel, and as I reminisced with Michael, we recalled it was in a small white jar.”
She continued, “When my mother moved in with me at age 87, she brought along her belongings, including a metal box containing important papers and some coins. After our discussion, I opened the box and found not one, but four Victory nickels. I initially thought to send one to your daughter, and I still would like to offer it.”
Just days later, on Christmas, I received an envelope from Ms. Brooks containing a holiday card with a heartfelt message. Inside was the nickel, carefully wrapped in a piece of paper. Holding it, I pondered whether it was the same coin my family had placed in an envelope 66 years ago during our mourning. While I can’t confirm its identity, the significance remains. This nickel connects our past with the present, reflecting how memories endure and transcend generations.
As I reflect on this journey, it highlights the intricate web of relationships and shared experiences that bind us, even across time. The nickel serves as a tangible reminder that our lives are intertwined, and that the memories we create can ripple through the years. This sentiment aligns with the themes discussed in our other blog posts, such as those found at Intracervical Insemination, which delve into the personal narratives surrounding family and fertility.
For those interested in exploring fertility further, Make a Mom offers valuable insights into enhancing reproductive health, while Women’s Health provides excellent resources regarding infertility and conception.
In summary, the journey of a nickel can illuminate the connections between past and present, reminding us of the lives we touch and the memories we carry forward.