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After a game of football in Tapman’s vacant lot, Russell comes home to take part in the conversation about a box of letters that was left by uncle Fletcher. Sade muses at Fletcher’s idea that the box of letters would make a good gift for Russell to inherit. What kind of historical significance does it carry?
Russell reads a few literary snapshots from uncle Fletcher’s life, but can a letter that was written last week be considered historic? We eavesdrop on news from aunt Bess, a letter to a politician, even a note from his landlady. Some letters may be historic, namely one from 1925, but it involves such weighty topics of an apple core, and bicycles. Huh?
Consider the source.
PS: Actually, that letter from last week might not seem so significant for Russell or Sade, but consider that if they managed to keep it, it surely would be a token of family history today. Those goofy letters about apple cores and bikes may not have any real value in the broad scope of world history either, but it does shine light on the funny character of the person who wrote it down. Again, a token to remember a family member to generations who come after him. A slice of his personality. A word to all the old timers out there, including those middle age old timers, though you think nobody wants to hear the mundane routine of your life… write it down. There’s sure to be somebody in your future descendants who might enjoy hearing from that crazy old coot in their family.
