Yesterday I opened a time capsule I had created of my life in April 1999. Wow. I was 9 1/2 years old. My family was just about to make the first of a long consecutive train of moves. My oldest brother was about to get married. Included in the canned time capsule was my first beany baby, a lanyard (I think I collected them at the time), a beaded candy cane I had made, a plastic bead necklace (probably a gift from someone), a picture of my and one of my teachers (I think she was a music teacher, but I honestly don't remember), a "tooth fairy box" complete with a tooth I had recently lost, a favorite book (which I didn't really remember), a picture of my oldest brother on his mission, a letter from him that he wrote while on his mission, a letter from my cousin, Whitney Dewey, the printed program of my baptism, a bookmark given to me from my sister (I collected bookmarks at the time as well), but the neatest thing I opened was a letter from my Mom. She gave a great snapshot of what was going on in our family at the time and proceeded to include a small list of character traits she and my Dad appreciated in me (even at such a young age) and a hope for my future of what I would be like when I opened the time capsule. It was such a touching letter. What an incredible experience to look over the last 12 years of my life -- from 4th grade to college graduate -- and to be able to see what I have become. I am happy to say I look over those years with pride and contentment. I have no real regrets. I still have much ground to cover in the next 12, 20, even 50 years of my life in developing my personality and character into what I want it to be, but the last 12 years have been fruitful and full of good experiences, friendships, and memories. May the next 12 be as wonderful and fulfilling.
PS. I had the thought of how great it would be to make a time capsule shortly after being married to open on the 10th wedding anniversary. I can't help but think of how healthy it is to sometimes review snapshots of the past in detail. We can gain greater insight into our present and future, and we can remember principles we want to continue to live by.
