My whole life I have watched him build things. It is just one of the things he has no idea I am envious of.

He always had so many little jobs going. I am thinking that times have changed or, maybe it is just the world I live in is so different. I remember long weekends, football, beer and all of the men talking about there new projects.

I haven't seen my sister in more years than I care to remember. My fault maybe, just the distance maybe... I sometimes think I should try harder. We have lived half a world apart for much of my adult life. I miss her.

My mother is a collector. She keeps things that others forget. Sometimes I think she is holding onto these things for my sister and I. That these memories are for us and that she is guarding them. I have always envied her independence and strength.

Some of the things my mother keeps have no history for us. I am not sure where this phone came from or how long she had it. I just remember sitting in the kitchen while they discussed buying a new house... my mother was adamant that this phone would come with them. I am curious why she is so attached to it... what does it mean to her?

The little girl is actually my grandmother. My parents have both become fascinated with family since they retired. Sometimes I wonder what I actually know about my parents and what I just assume. I never really knew my grandmother. She was extremely distant around me and we hadn't spoken in years when she died. I don't think I will ever know why... Families are complex.