Randi Kreiss

The things we hold close to our hearts

Posted

Totem: a spirit being, sacred object or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage or tribe. The totemic symbol may serve as a reminder of the kin group’s ancestry or mythic past.

I will venture to guess that I’m the first person to ascribe totemic significance to what seems to be an ordinary Croc sandal. (More about that later.) Lately I’ve noticed that certain objects speak to me, and it isn’t heat stroke or imagination run amok. And I don’t mean “speak” literally, of course, but figuratively.

If we think about it, we all have totems in our lives. (Remember Rosebud?) Some are truly powerful, like the Star of David or a cross, not necessarily because of any intrinsic value, but because of a spiritual overlay, which creates a kind of aura. Most often, totems are ordinary, banal things glazed with memory and meaning by events in our lives.

The Croc in question belongs to my grandson. We were on vacation together when he misplaced one of his green Crocs. We were out on a sandbar, traveling by kayak, and suddenly, when we were ready to pack up and leave, the shoe was gone.

I have a very soft spot for this boy, and when his parents landed on him hard for losing the shoe, I felt bad. The kid is only 8 years old. I know they’re trying to teach him personal responsibility, but there’s time for that after he graduates from med school, right? I picked up the remaining Croc and took it with me, figuring I’d buy him a new pair.

Couldn’t find his size anywhere, and believe me, I looked. So I took it home with me and tossed it into the front seat of my car, planning to shop until I found what I needed. But get this: Kids grow. By the time I found Crocs in his size, his mother, the enforcer, said his feet were bigger, and he already had a new pair of sandals, so thanks anyway, but never mind.

There was the green Croc, on the floor of my car. I didn’t remove it. Every time I get into the car it reminds me of my boy, and I get a feel-good jolt of grandma joy. I don’t get to see this grandchild or his sister very often because they live on the West Coast, so the Croc, which carries his little-boy essence, offers a sweet connection. See Elijah run. See Elijah jump. See Elijah.

Page 1 / 3