This is one of the DAILY joys of my life.
During the year, as I receive different cards and pictures, I place them on my kitchen counter. This way, I don't get to enjoy them only once, but for at least a year, and on daily basis at that.
Sometimes one brings a smile to my face and the other times tears to my eyes. Sometimes tears of joy and other times tears of sorrow, loss or regret. Nevertheless, I get several chances to go through a journey with each and every one of them.
A few are so special that I have not had the heart to replace them yet. Some are funny, and some, silly. A few are thought provoking, and others just entertaining. But they all have one thing in common; A dear one has invested the time and energy to select and send it to me and THAT is what makes it unique, PRICELESS and special.
I have ALL the cards and letters I have ever received since the day I moved to America 38 years ago and there have been occasions that I have gone through the old ones as well, and just like watching a movie, my life has played before my mind's eye. So, yet again, I get a chance to review the memories.
Not everyone may appreciate this habit of mine. Some may think it to be a psychological disorder and some may wish they had all of their cards and letters. But since I am not doing this to please (or displease) anyone, I have it from a reliable source that the person I AM DOING THIS FOR is extremely pleased and appreciative; Me!
My Blog: Nahzi's Corner ==> http://nahzinikki.blogspot.com/
Dear Nahzi,
The condition is called "Compulsive Hoarding" which is a pattern of behavior characterized by the excessive acquisition of and inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects. It can be treated by Therapeutic Interventions.
Welcome Aboard!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsive_hoarding
I don't think this can be called a disease or psychological disorder for that matter.
There is nothing wrong with keeping letters and pictures of loved ones around. I did it myself for the 30 years that i spent in the state and i have even had arguments with mom over it : Why don't you get rid of these letters... what purpose would they serve and things of that nature.
Aside from the definition of CH here, If one collects really and truly valuable things, and takes goood care of them, not only one has not hoarded anything but that is one huge step in preserving some precious memories.
Thank you both for your comments. I am humbled by the fact that my short entry has attracted your interest to take the time to leave these messages for me.
What this behavior is called does not concern me per se. I truly enjoy the opportunity to glance at them for about a year instead of just once.