I am attracted to things that are beautiful and functional. As a physical therapist I especially appreciate a beautiful cane or hiking stick, especially one with a story.  I recently decided to start a collection of walking sticks. I was visiting a patient of mine recently and when she heard of my interest in collecting them, she showed me one of hers that has a special meaning for her.

She told me that a friend of her husband made it for him years before he passed away. The friend carved a bird on the top and then carved scenes representing memories they shared. She now uses the cane to pull up the covers at night.

I received my first cane for the collection from a dear friend the other day. She said it belonged to her great grandfather. It is such an honor to own something that belonged in her family for so long. I wonder at the journey it made possible.