Not long ago we were busy cleaning off the top ledge above our cupboards. (Well to be honest I should say my husband was cleaning up there because I am short and he is tall).

At any rate, I said, “Please hand me that mug/cup thing up there so we can toss it because it’s broken.”

As he handed it to me he remarked, “We should keep it because it’s a Montana one.” (He is very sentimental and it made no difference to him that the handle was broken clean off).

“Oh brother” I quipped. “Let’s just toss it; you’re so sentimental I had to throw away your mother’s old makeup bag three times because you kept pulling it out of the garbage!”

Then I changed my mind thinking- On second thought I’m going to keep this broken thing and write an article about it.

I turned that old cup/mug thing around and around (and about cried while doing so).

I grew up in Whitefish and on that Mountain, “Big Mountain” and spent many a day with my folks as a youngster at Glacier National Park.

Then it dawned on me-I was that carefree person riding the bike on the mug and my sister and I rode our bikes around GNP as kids. And I cross-country skied up on Big Mountain until my cheeks glowed rosy red.

Those were the best days.

Now the tourists are here by the millions (literally) and the lines to get anywhere (whether it be to get on a ski lift or into Glacier National Park) are insanity.

Joni Mitchell said it best, “You don’t know whatchu got till it’s gone.”

I guess I will keep that broken chipped up mug after all. It would be cute with a little plant in it some hair ties or some pennies.