I’ve worn the same silver chain for most of my life.

It was a present from both of my parents when I was in my early teens and I rarely take it off. I guess like most things which are constantly around us I take it for granted. I notice it from time to time as I stand in front of the bathroom mirror or sitting out in the garden I can feel it get hot from the sun. It’s simply just there.

Today I had to go to Staples to get envelopes for some calenders. It’s a hard task selecting calenders which have pictures of this country from the ones publicising the latest boy band or Paris in the 50’s without the added complication of finding ones which have something in which to send them abroad.

Despite the amount of choice the only option seemed to be the padded envelope. Accomodating but too big and too bulky pour par avion. Scratching my head and looking around my hand strayed down to my neck. It felt odd. My fingers ran inside the collar of my tshirt. Nothing. It was gone. In a second there was a kaleidoscope of emotions. One of the last links with my parents; something which felt right and comfortable; I’d had it for years; a constant in my life. I checked again, looked at the floor. Nothing. I tried to reason with myself. Perhaps it was caught in the bathroom towel. Perhaps it had fallen off in the house. My road’s relatively quiet, it could still be there. Amongst all of this and from all those years ago I heard Yarpel’s voice. Mind of attachment won’t help.

Then I felt it. Caught at the bottom of my tshirt. It must have been pulled. The clasp was caught open. Closed and back around my neck I’d learnt two things. I should remember more of what Yarpel taught me and don’t take for granted what you become attached to. Old familiar things and new, precious things both need to be looked after.