The contents of Ashby’s box before they were triple sealed.
Years ago, I blogged about Kensington’s box and then, I blogged about Smith’s box and now, it’s time for Ashby’s box.
Box? What box?
Let me explain…
My dad collected letters and items from both our side of the family and Andrew’s and took them up to his favorite place in Colorado and buried them in a time capsule. He did the same thing for us when we were little, and now, he’s doing it for his grandkids. When they’re older (teenagers), Andrew and I will take the kids up there and let them dig up their boxes. Each box has individual letters, special items and such. Listen folks…we’re burying jewelry, important photos, cherished belongings…good stuff. Let’s all pray that when the day comes, we’ll be able to locate these time capsules! (Insert my mom thinking this is a very risky plan here…).
Ashby’s box is extra special because during the 18 months that we waited for her, my dad kept a journal documenting our family and the times we were together. Every party, celebration, special day, little moment, family vacation was noted…because let’s face it, we missed her very much during all of it.
I always dread sitting down and writing my kids their letters for the box. I dread it because this is real life and real life means that in 14 or 15 years when they go to dig up these boxes, life will be different. Everyone who placed items in that box won’t be with us any more. Who knows what will happen within that time period? Maybe I won’t be here any more? How do you write a letter to your child that conveys your love while also including the obvious sentiment that “if I’m not here when you’re reading this, I love you.”.
The box.
This time, I placed a Bible that my grandfather who passed away gave me when he returned from a trip to Israel. Inside the Bible, he wrote me a very special note and I’ve kept that with me on my desk all of these years. Now, it’s in Ashby’s box.
My dad headed out to bury Ashby’s box. It’s tripled sealed so that it’s protected from all elements.
You don’t have to drive to another state to do a time capsule (as my mom keeps pointing out), you can bury one in your own backyard (I think my dad is always looking for a reason to drive to Colorado or else we would have just done that). Speaking as someone who had one buried on her behalf when she was an infant and then dug it up as a teen, it’s very cool.
I love my dad :).
And don’t forget, if you’re praying with me this month, the prayer request post can be found here.
kimm atwood says
What a wonderful idea
Katelyn Magerko says
This is absolutely amazing! You have such a sweet sweet family!
Unknown says
Your mom sounds a lot like my mom. 🙂 Bless her!
Erika Slaughter says
I love Jay's adventurous side but I'm kind of with Sherry on this one. Let's plant them nicely in rows in the backyard in between the begonias and the ivy. 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I love the box idea…but I panic about writing in a birthday card…I can't imagine how much I'd panic about writing a letter THIS IMPORTANT!!!! Your dad is the sweetest.
Johannah says
How awesome and how fun it will be when they are older and able to open it!!
Karen says
What a cute idea!! When I was in 8th grade my English teacher had us all write letters to ourselves and then he mailed them back to us when we graduated high school. It was so much fun reading a letter from my 13 year old self to my 18 year old self!
Melissa says
Such an awesome idea! I just love your dad ❤️
Narci says
So sweet!! What a great idea!!
Jason, Betsy, Jackson says
I love this! When we were dealing with fertility treatments and then later the adoption process, my mom kept a journal. I especially love the entries from when we were matched up until our son's birth. She gave it to me at a shower after he was born!
mommyto3 says
That is such a special tradition!
Megan Leigh says
Your dad is the sweetest!!! What a blessed family:)
Lisa Nortman says
Your Dad loves BIG in everything he does, apparently! Blessed family for sure!
Leslie says
I love your dad 🙂
Robyn Marrie says
This is such a neat idea! Your dad rocks! It reminds me a bit of my letters to my girls, that I blogged about here: http://robynsnestof5.blogspot.com/2014/07/love-my-k-letters-to-my-girls.html?m=1
I may have to add a box to my list!
Rebecca Jo says
What a cool adventure to go dig it up in the future!!!
… I can't even find things in my basement though, much less under ground…
Elizabeth Valdez says
Great idea! Your taco pita looks delicious. There's a place in Fort Worth called Pak-A-Pocket and I go there strictly for their taco pita :). I'll have to try your recipe!
Chelsea @ Married Filing Jointly says
Wow, what an awesome idea!
Tracy says
Your dad! You are so blessed.
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Such a great idea…and so sweet of your dad! If only we could clone him!!!
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
I just love this tradition!! What a special gift for your kids 🙂 Your dad really is so sweet & thoughtful! I know your kids will cherish what they find in their boxes!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Well this is just the most fantastic idea ever! Your dad seems like such a great dad and grandpa!
Sarah Lee Park says
So much fun! Love traditions like these. Did you ever blog about what was placed in your box when you were little?
Katie {The Mishaps & Mayhem of a Solitary Life} says
Oh man!! I love your dad too!! What an awesome idea…and that journal!! Your family has such special traditions!
Leigh Clark says
Wow! What an amazing commitment your dad has shown to your family. That is amazing!
mel @ the larson lingo says
Love this idea!!!! And I love that it's buried in Colorado! So awesome.
Meredith says
Oh my gosh that is such a neat idea!!! Your dad is AMAZING!!! Love it!! But I am wondering how do yall remember where you buried it? Or yall not worried someone will dig it up?
Jaren says
Your dad is such a sweetheart! I don't know if I could write a letter either!
Denise Ross says
Such a beautiful idea. I've made treasure boxes for my family. In it I've kept special cards, photos and I've kept a school book from their primary school days from each year too as well as awards and medals. I'm planning on giving them an actual box each with a their special things as at the moment they're in lots of little boxes. I've got cards that my dad gave my mum years ago abc I really treasure them as well as their school photos and reports. They are no longer with us do they are extra special to me.
amandapreece says
What a wonderful tradition! Also, I did a study on the book "Not A Fan". A read everyone should complete. It definitely brought me closer to God.
The Corbridges says
What an awesome, sweet dad! Not only to do that for you- but to continue on and do it for your kids also… SO cool. I love this idea.
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
How did I miss this post! What a sweet thing to do. I love the box idea 🙂