I guess I’m a saver. The top of my bureau is a testament to that trait. On display are family photographs, precious works of art produced by my children, jewelry boxes in assorted shapes, book marks, a silk rose given to me by my husband on our 25^th anniversary, and journals waiting to be filled with my thoughts, feelings, and memories.

My eyes push away all of these, though, and I focus on a small square glass box. Opening the box I find five pennies put in for good luck, a silver medallion with the shape of an angel engraved on it, and a collection of small slips of paper. I count the pieces, 23 in all, pearls of wisdom saved over the years from fortune cookies.

I begin to read these fortunes and find myself organizing them into categories. Seven of them are in the “philosophical advice on life” category. For example, one states “Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.” I wonder why I have saved this one and into which group I fit. Two of them are exactly the same--- “Stop searching forever, happiness is just next to you.” Could this be a reference to Andy, the white fluffy dog curled up beside me? Three of the slips fit into category number two which I label “character traits”. To sum them up, I am never bitter, deceptive, or petty and I have a friendly heart. I would like to think that these statements accurately describe me. The majority of the fortunes are in the third category---“predictors of the future”. I picked my three favorites: 1.) All the news you receive will be positive and uplifting. 2.) Any rough times are now behind you. 3.) You will be showered with good luck.

While knowing that the blows of life strike randomly, still I want to hold onto these wishes, these hopes. My brain tells me that these slips of paper are just that, papers printed by the thousands, folded into dry tasteless cookies, and distributed with no heavenly plan. My heart, though, tells me something else. While I have learned that challenge is an inevitable part of life, I am discovering that it is hope that provides the strength to handle those challenges.

My heart knows why I have been saving these fortunes, why I will continue to add to my collection. I gather the 23 slips of paper, put them into the small glass box, and place the box on my bureau.

By Diane Snyder

Diane Snyder recently retired from a long career as a pre-kindergarten teacher at the Jewish Community Center in Stoughton.  She now puts all of her energy into writing.