Dented and scratched

I'm the unofficial custodian of my families things; Since the passing of my mum and subsequently my dad, I've held antique furniture, artwork, ornamental pieces, jewelry, documents and photos with the intention of handing them to my siblings and their children at the right time. It wasn't a role I wanted, it happened by default as none of my family were here or had the ability to transport and store the items.

I believe it's those items, the things that have been in a family for a while, that help bridge the distance between generations and help those who come next to understand the past, and their ancestors, a little better. That's why I went to so much trouble to keep them and now, with my niece and nephew getting to the ages at which they can enjoy them. I feel it's a great privilege to hand them out.

Some of those things are toys and, whilst I've given most away, I saved some special things which will go to my niece @smallsteps and my nephew when the time is right and the opportunity arises. As it turns out, I'm seeing my nephew at the end of the week after a day spent on a plane travelling to where he lives four thousand kilometres away. In my suitcase is a collection of toys that used to be his dad's, my brother, when he was about the same age as my nephew.

These toys aren't in pristine condition; in fact they were second hand when my brother got them forty six years ago because mum and dad didn't always have the means of buying new things. But it didn't bother my brother and it won't bother my nephew; they will be used and appreciated just as much as if they were new. Come to think of it, probably even more.

The last few things I handed to my nephew had my brother's name on them, hand written in marker pen by himself, and my nephew thought that was so excellent that he wanted to write his own name on there too. A couple of the toys in these images also have his dad's hand written name on them and I think my nephew will, once again, want to add his own. It's incredible the way he understands the importance of toys of this age, that they were once his dad's toys and now his to care for. That's cool right?

I've not told my brother I'm bringing these toys so I think it'll be a surprise for him too, one I'm looking forward to springing upon him and my nephew. These dented and scratched toys will, I hope, bring my nephew enjoyment and I believe my brother will be happy to see his son playing with toys he, himself, once did. They will gain additional dents and scratches I'm sure, but when my nephew hands them to his own kids that'll just add to the story I think.

Do you folks have toys in your possession that have spanned generations of your family? Maybe it's not toys, but some other item that has been with your family for some time? Feel free to tell me about it in the comments below, I'd love to hear about it.