A few years ago, I read an article that interviewed immigrants about the one item that reminded them of their home country. I have not been able to find the article to link it. 

Basically, they were all asked what one item they had with them in their new country that always reminded them of their home country. Sometimes people immigrate in a state of duress. They are only able to take what they can quickly grab. Other times, people have more time and resources to immigrate and can more carefully curate what they take with them to their new country.

Once the cats have all passed away from natural causes at the normal end of their lives, my goal is to leave the country. That article I read years ago made me think of what one item I would take with me that would remind me of the USA.

In the article, a musician told of a piece of sheet music he has in his native language. Someone else showed a bracelet that had been made by their artisan grandmother. Another person had a favorite book in their native language.

What one thing would I take that would remind me of the USA?

This is a hard question. There is not a lot to be happy about in the USA right now. 

Then I happened to think of a treasured item I have in my one box of mementos that 100% would remind me of the USA.

It is my LOVE stamp pin. 

The 2023 Love stamp is my favorite US stamp of all time. I ordered so many sheets of the cat and dog love stamps, I had enough to use on all of my Christmas cards for 2024 also. 

I bought the Love stamp pin because I enjoyed that stamp so much. It was my first time purchasing anything stamp related. I typically just use stamps to mail my bills and don’t give a thought or care to the design of the stamp.

However, the 2023 love stamp is my favorite. I actively sought it out to be able to use it. 

The US postal service holds many memories for me. It was an essential service for my grandparent’s rural farm. They were immigrants here from Austria. 

The US postal service is essential in delivering medications and keeping us all connected. I love Christmas cards, birthday cards, and handwritten letters. In a world of increasing technology, there is still something to be said for the joy of seeing a letter in the mail that is not a bill. 

When I leave the country, the one item I will take to remind me of the USA is my 2023 love pin.

What would be your one item?