The Least Useful Item: My Wine Opener

Have you ever had something in your possession that you just couldn't bring yourself to get rid of, even if it's never been used? I have several such items, but the one that puzzles me the most is my wine opener. However, not only do I have a wine opener that's rarely if ever used, but I have a penknife that my father gave me decades ago, which I've kept for similar reasons.

My Wine Opener

Technically, I never drink wine. Yet, I keep this humble wine opener. It's an oddity, more as a reminder of times gone by than for any functional purpose. Here's the irony: I own this item, but it's never served its purpose. I find myself wondering why I've held onto it all these years, especially since it's mostly been collecting dust in my collection.

A Penknife from the 1950s

But the real curiosity lies in a piece of vintage history that still graces my collecting cabinet: a penknife. Back in 1950s Israel, during the production of tires in the city of Petah Tikva, my father's friend Shaul Ramati gave this practical and sentimental gift to my father. Surprised by a trinket as a thank you for his friendship and support, it's a ordinary yet valuable piece from a bygone era.

The Story Behind the Knife

My father received this penknife in 1962, a few years before departing for England. Interestingly, the penknife’s history does not end there. It was later given to my father's sister, Mary, before her untimely passing in Colorado. Mary, known for her unemotional nature, often discarded letters, diplomas, and other personal items, suggesting she saw little use in keeping them. In her drawer, I found this penknife, a sign that she deeply valued it despite her unorthodox approach to keeping mementos.

The Encounter with a Loss

The penknife remains a tangible connection to my father, whose last memory I have is from the day he left for England. Sadly, he died in a hotel fire in London four years later. Holding this penknife reminds me of the final moments I shared with my father and the void left behind. It retains a piece of his touch, a small but significant relic in my collection.

Why Can’t I Get Rid of It?

Despite its lack of practical use, I can't bring myself to sell or discard this penknife. It stands as a silent testament to a past era and a cherished memory. The object, a penknife with no essential function, yet filled with sentimental value, reflects on my relationship with my father and the bittersweet memories we shared.

In a world where practicality often reigns supreme, these objects serve as a reminder of the importance of sentimentality and the value of preserving tangible links to the past. They may not serve a functional purpose, but they certainly add depth and meaning to our lives.

Conclusion

These seemingly useless items - the wine opener and the penknife - are more than mere collectibles. They are windows into the past, reminders of cherished relationships, and symbols of times gone by. As sentimentality and the value of keeping connections near and dear continue to be important aspects of human life, these items serve as vital reminders of what truly matters.