It’s the Little Things
Life has a way of weaving itself into the smallest, most unassuming things. A song, a scent, or even a simple plastic storage container can hold entire chapters of our stories. For me, that container is more than just a vessel for leftovers—it’s a bridge to a memory, a connection to a love that transcends time and distance.
In 2018, my soon-to-be ex-husband and I traveled to Portugal. For him, it was an introduction to a country I’ve always held close to my heart. For me, it felt like coming home. That trip was special for so many reasons. He proposed to me there, in the presence of my parents, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.
The first half of our vacation was spent with my parents, sharing laughter, stories, and day trips that made my heart swell. But all good things come to an end, and saying goodbye to my parents as we set off for Lisbon and the Algarve was heartbreaking. Each farewell seemed harder than the last, an unspoken acknowledgment that time is a relentless thief. My mother, in her typical loving fashion, handed me a plastic storage container of food for the road. It was such a small gesture, but it held so much love.
That plastic storage container came back to the States with me. Each time I used it, I was transported back to that bittersweet day—the warm hug of my mother, the scent of her cooking, and the ache of a goodbye I would never forget. Now that she’s gone, that little piece of plastic holds even more weight.
After the separation, my connection to the container was disrupted. It was still in the basement, where I used to do all of the cooking. That space became a place I have avoided since communication between us ceased. But recently, I had the chance to reclaim a few personal belongings, and I didn’t hesitate to grab that plastic storage container.
Holding it again, I felt a flood of emotions. Relief, gratitude, and a sense of reconnection to my mom. It’s remarkable how something so small can carry so much meaning. It’s not about the object itself—it’s about the love, memories, and moments it represents.
Life isn’t about grand gestures or monumental events. It’s the little things that matter most. A hug. A goodbye. A plastic storage container filled with love.
So, if you have an object, a scent, or a memory that tugs at your heart, cherish it. Let it remind you of the connections that shaped you, the people who loved you, and the moments that defined you. Because in the end, it’s the little things that make life extraordinary.
With love,
The Not So Common Gal