“The written word may be humankind’s greatest creation. It allows us to connect with the deceased, the distant, and those yet to be born.” —Abraham Lincoln
In my hand lies a small nickel from 1905, adorned with a prominent V on its reverse side—a Victory nickel. It is noticeably smaller and lighter than today’s five-cent coins, its surface polished and smooth, as one would expect from a coin that has exchanged hands for over a century. Yet, perhaps this particular nickel has not experienced much circulation. It has been dormant for decades, resting quietly in a small white jar with a black lid, nestled inside a metal box belonging to Ms. Clara Thompson, near Oxford, Mississippi.
This nickel has traveled far and embodies the essence of the quote by Lincoln, which aligns with the spirit of our community. Recently, I penned an article about my Chinese-American grandmother, who lived in a quaint Mississippi Delta town for 65 years. I didn’t anticipate a wide readership, and indeed, the audience was limited. In my piece, I recounted the story of my mother’s older brother, David, who tragically drowned at the age of 12—a loss that has reverberated through our family for generations.
The majority of those who read the story hailed from the Mississippi Delta—some were Chinese-American, while others were not. They included old friends, classmates, and some unfamiliar faces. Among them was Clara Thompson, who, after finding my mother online, reached out to share that she and my uncle Tom graduated together in 1958. In her message, she wrote:
“My brother, James Thompson, forwarded the article by your daughter. When she mentioned the Chinese custom of placing a nickel at the cemetery, it transported me back in time. My late brother, Robert, attended David’s funeral and came home with a nickel. My mother, Mary Thompson, cherished that nickel, and as I discussed this with James, we recalled it was stored in a small white jar. James remembered it was a ‘Victory nickel’ and the jar had a black top.”
“When my mother lived with me at 87 (she passed at 90), she brought along some furniture and personal items. Among them was a metal box containing important papers and some coins. Prompted by our conversation, I retrieved the box and discovered the jar (with a Pepsodent face cream label); surprisingly, it contained not one but four Victory nickels. Initially, I thought of sending it to your daughter. If she would like one of the four, I would be delighted to do so.”
A few days later, on Christmas, my mother presented me with an envelope featuring a festive card—Santa surrounded by a mound of gifts. Inside was a handwritten note from Clara: “I am thrilled to share this with Laura.” Tucked within was the nickel, carefully wrapped in a folded scrap of paper.
As I held the nickel, I pondered if it was the very coin my grieving family had placed in a small white envelope 66 years ago, gathered around a table, reeling from their loss as they prepared for a young boy’s funeral. While it’s impossible to determine if it is indeed the same coin Clara’s brother took from the cemetery—the very cemetery I visited not long ago to pay my respects at David’s grave—it’s irrelevant. What truly matters is the interconnectedness of our lives, the way memories endure, and how one person’s loss can resonate with another. David’s life and passing held significance for another boy that day—enough for James to keep this memento close throughout his life. Enough for his mother to preserve it even after his departure. Ultimately, enough for Clara to remember it and return it, completing a circle back to my mother and to me.
In the journey of life, we often find that connections can be established across generations, reminding us that our experiences and memories are valued treasures. If you’re exploring ways to create your own family memories, consider looking into options for home insemination, like the impregnator at home insemination kit that can help you on your journey. For a deeper understanding of fertility, this fertility booster for men could provide additional insight. For more information about intrauterine insemination, this resource offers comprehensive guidance.
Summary
This article reflects on a historical nickel from 1905 that serves as a tangible connection to past lives and memories. The tale intertwines family loss with the enduring impact of small tokens of remembrance, illustrating the profound ways in which our experiences resonate through time and across generations.
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