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We're all fighting boredom and stress at this trying time when millions of people around the globe are forced into self-isolation for their own good. And despite people desperately trying to find escapes from the monotone surroundings of one's own home, some people find comfort in things that are closest to us. One Twitter user named Isaac decided to start a thread where he asked people to look around their houses and find the item that is of most personal value. And people responded!
From family heirlooms to dear art pieces, people posted photographs of the items, attaching a short story of the items and why exactly they are so valuable to the owners.
Bored Panda reached out to Isaac for some additional details on the Twitter thread and he kindly answered with some new information. He offered a brief introduction of himself and revealed he writes books for a living:
"I'm a Brooklyn-based author. My most recent book is a children's book titled How to Be a Pirate, which is illustrated by Brigette Barrager of Uni the Unicorn fame. The book just came out on March 3rd! I've got two other books out all about tattoos and am working on a YA novel and an essay collection for adults titled Dirtbag, Massachusetts."
So scroll down and check out the pics and don't forget to share your own precious things in the comments below.
More info: isaacfitzgerald.net | Twitter
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Pat Luedke 5 years ago
Real flowers would never have lasted or have the precious memories of this painting.♥️
Debra Trayler 5 years ago
The painting is wonderful. I have a problem with sending out the world your most valuable stuff - "hey thieves, come knock down my door". Why would you? :(
Catlady6000 5 years ago
Sentimental value, not (hopefully) monetary. If your most valuable item is only because of its resale value, you really don't have much
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Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
Real flowers, even if pressed, would be faded and brown after 44 years.
RELATED:
#2
deanna woods 5 years ago
You should be proud of where you came from. You have a large and amazing family.
Tara Stevens 5 years ago
That’s amazing! I’d love to have a huge family pic like this. I hope your children/the next generation value it just as much!
We asked Fitzgerald how he came up with the idea to start the thread on Twitter and he revealed that it was thanks to procrastination that was amplified by the current situation in the world. "Because I was traveling a bunch a few weeks ago (for my book tour), I've been holed up and self-quarantining for a full week now (no symptoms, just playing it safe)," he talked about his own experience in regards to the spread of the coronavirus. "Anyhow, I was looking at the sword, which is displayed by my desk, and I realized that there must be so many other folks who are doing the exact same thing: staring at items in their homes that they see every day and maybe even take for granted that... they're now going to be spending a lot more time with," the author told us. So, Isaac started the thread to see what other people had to share.
We also inquired some more about his own cherished item, the sword from the King of Bhutan:
"The sword was a birthday present! Wild story that is too long to fully detail here, but I went to high school with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the then-Crown Prince and now-King of Bhutan. A little later in my 20s, I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful country of Bhutan, where I got the rare opportunity to catch up with my old friend. Our meeting coincided with my 25th birthday, which I'd planned to keep to myself, but His Majesty remembered and celebrated the occasion by gifting me with a small sword (the kind carried by most soldiers in Bhutan, I believe). No matter where life takes me, at least I can always say I've been given a sword by a king."
#3
Sori 5 years ago
This is a flamboyant tree, they are famous in Puerto Rico and now all over Hawaii!
ispeak catanese 5 years ago
I've seen a few in Florida a.k.a. Puerto Rico's backyard 😍🌳🌺
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#4
Aliya Clark 5 years ago
thats terrible im so sorry. have you gotten yourself back on your feet? or are you close or how are you doing with it?
How did Isaac react to the explosion of replies to the thread? He said that it certainly made him happy:
"People are still contributing to the thread, which is absolutely wonderful. And folks are discussing each other's items with such love and care, it's really beautiful, and I'm so happy to be a part of it. It feels like a big group project that so many different folks are contributing to, and I hope more and more people feel welcomed to join in."
#5
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
A transcription & digital replica should be made to the Smithsonian
Dawnetta Wilson 5 years ago
OMG!!! My Great....uncle was the commander! Major Charles Whittlesey!
Yankee Slate Cutting 5 years ago
Please consider digitizing it and uploading to the Gutenberg Project!
Hiie Posti 5 years ago
My great aunt had self knitten glove, made with needles in prisoner camp. Her father got it as a gift from ladies that were there. Estonia was in the USSR, even tough I was born 17 years later, I still know pretty much about it. Sadly my great aunt passed away, and the glove is lost, somewhere in her apartment
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
Will anyone boot up old computers or phones to rescue emails and text messages between famous lovers or from heroic servicepeople? Electronic communication is destroying our future history.
#6
TheCutestDeer 5 years ago
I have a stuffed lamb that I still sleep with. And I'm not embarrassed.
Lilli Stanard 5 years ago
this is tessa i've also had her since i was born! IMG_202003...4eb7e8.jpg 
Lilli 5 years ago
this is Poppy. I have also had her since the day I was born :3 download-2...deb0f.jpeg 
deanna woods 5 years ago (edited)
I have had a teddy bear, Beary, since I was 6 years old and I still have it to this day.
Abigail jean wyrick 5 years ago
Holy shoot! I have the exact same lamb! I've had him since the second I was born! It's older than me, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw it!
#7
Val/Malibu/Dante/Bob 5 years ago
What medium? And he is amazing, does he have any social medias for his art???
#8
deanna woods 5 years ago
That's not dumb at all. If you have a something that means a lot to you and your parents no one can take that away from you.
Autumn Walton 5 years ago
That's great! A good movie and also a good costume.I have a lot of old disney VCR tapes that still play. :)
So_Long_And_Thanks_For_All_The_Fish 5 years ago
That is not in the slightest bit dumb. I wouldnt blame you for holding that so high, it is a great movie, after all
NeverGoWoke 5 years ago
That is not dumb at all... good job putting in a weatherproof box as well!
#9
#10
Colin Parish 5 years ago
He would have been looking down and would have been so proud of you......
Spikey Bunny 5 years ago
It's still the preferred method for military dress shoes.
Load More Replies... #11
Ljdia 5 years ago
I have questions. But most importantly: a loving and motivational handwritten personal note from your father to you?! That is precious.
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
Have his handwriting analyzed. From what I know, there is very strong character represented.
#12
Nia Loves Art 5 years ago
I have my baby blanket. It’s just a rag with most of the pieces missing, but I love it.
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#13
Boebabazz 5 years ago
Miep Gies was an employee of Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank. Only a few knew of the hiding of 8(!) persons in the Achterhuis and help to provide for food and the notebooks to write in. The day after the Frank family was found and arrested by the SS, Miep found the notes of Anne and hid her diary. If it wasn’t for Miep we would never have heard of the Diary of Anne Frank, Therefore her autograph in this book has a profound meaning.
Holly Molly 5 years ago
Thank you for the explanation, I had no idea who she was.
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OffKeySinger 5 years ago
Wow! That she hid that diary and kept it safe after the family was arrested and was able to sign it after the diary was published. I'm AMAZED at your treasure
Renee Zuckerbrot 5 years ago
Thank you for your generous comments. I should add that Miep had some help from a couple of fellow employees at Otto's company, Opekta : Bep Voskujil, Johannes Kleiman (Miep's husband, who died in 1993), and Victor Kugler. They, along with Miep, took care of the Frank family and the others hiding in the attic: the van Pels family, identified as the van Daans in Anne's diary; and Fritz Prefer, identified as Albert Dussel in the diary. Doubleday brought Miep to NYC in 1995 as part of the publicity rollout for the new translation of the diary. She spoke to an SRO crowd at Manhattan's Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. I was the editor of this new translation, so I was able to meet Miep and get her to sign my copy of the diary. Miep died in 2010, at the age 100.
#14
ADHORTATOR 5 years ago
I have the razor of my italian grandfather, he bought in the 1930s when he had to work in Germany...
deanna woods 5 years ago
Really all I have left of my grandmother is the memories. Most of her possessions were destroyed in a fire.
#15
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
That's a console stereo unless it's in an embassy.
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Sansa Blacktyde 5 years ago
My Nanny(my mother's mother who was Irish) had one of these! She had lots of Irish music on vinyl and whenever I stayed with her we dance to 'Limerick, you're a Lady' and 'Lannigan's Ball' . She was also very fond of Chas and Dave!
Carol Emory 5 years ago
OMG..We have the same one! Record player on the left, storage area on the right for the albums.
#16
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
Top: American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, WW2 Victory.....Bottom: Presidential Unit Citation, East Asia Campaign, Philippine Liberation
#17
Mohammed Ibrahim 5 years ago
Could you be more Jewish?😁 JK, it’s a very optimistic tradition, respect🤗
Charlotte 5 years ago
Don't be a tit. Even angry-atheist me can't see much harm in this. Unless you're a werewolf with a pomegranate allergy. Then you're in trouble.
Load More Replies... #18
Carol Emory 5 years ago
We still have my great great grandfather's Civil War sword. He served with the North.
Nia Loves Art 5 years ago
Thank you for clarifying that he is long dead : ) All jokes aside though this is awesome.
#19
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
When my mom passed in 1999, the only things I wanted were the teacups she collected from my grandmother and great grandmother. I still love teacups. This one is a beauty.
Luna Lovegood 5 years ago
That is absolutely gorgeous. As an enthusiast of all things tea related, this is so wonderful and that you have such good memories with it makes it truly a treasure!!!
#20
Hiie Posti 5 years ago
My grandma (1939) lived through ww II. Her father was sent to USSR prisoner camp. She had 11 other sisters and brothers, most of which died. When was your grandma born?
#21
Jane Campbell 5 years ago
I have a box from my great grandfather. In fact it could be my great, great grandfather's It folds out to become a travelling desk and the inside velvet desk surface is well worn from much use. I never knew what to put in it. Thanks for your ideas.
Leslie Burleson 5 years ago
I have almost the exact same scarf as the purple one , it was my great grandma's
#22
#23
#24
theo agricola 5 years ago
It's a Dutch poem. The last line doens't only mean "Do everything for each other" but should be taken in a broader context. Like willing to make "sacrefices" for each other.
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Laura Campos 5 years ago
That's a real treasure. Love in action is what it's talking about. Seek not to be served, but to serve...
Cathelijne van Weelden 5 years ago (edited)
This is so Dutch! Really vintage and cute... I would translate it a bit differently as in Dutch the order of words is often a bit different (Yoda like 😁): Only there love is able to live - Only there life is sweet - Where people happily and naturally - Do everything for each other
Ljdia 5 years ago (edited)
If it is the text below the picture: There alone love can live, There alone is life sweet. Where people happy & unbound Do everything for each other.
Load More Replies... #25
Ben Steinberg 5 years ago
"And although we only had one roll of TP, it lasted for EIGHT days..."
#26
Autumn Walton 5 years ago (edited)
That's super sweet :) but honestly the doll kind of creeps me out. Especially how long it is.
Cathy Thomas 5 years ago
This looks just like the doll from one of the Little Golden Books called Jingle Bell Jack. It tells about a mother and little daughter sewing a clown doll from scraps of cloth and even shows how to make your own. My grand kids have it now!
#27
Autumn Quigley 5 years ago
that's not the point there special and you cant just get new ones
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#28
Ani Archeron 5 years ago
I REALLY want to know how he acquired a signature from Lord Byron himself
Up All Night 5 years ago
Probably great-great-great-great grandpa was a fan who stalked him and jumped at him like "I'm your biggest fan, please gimme an autograph"
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#29
Kit Cassidy 5 years ago
The one is pretty adorable when you look at it, but the other is unquestionably scary.
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#30
Tom Martin 5 years ago
shortly before my grandfather died in 1969 my father went to visit him in the nursing home. My grandfather showed him his coin purse was empty and said "See I have no money" my father reached into his pocket and gave him all the money he had at that time, seven cents.
I still have that coin purse and the money 51 years later IMG_202003...193c14.jpg 
Amy Lewandowski 5 years ago
I am sorry for your loss. You speak true of a life that has become so fast forward these days. It seems many spend more time trying to create the perfect selfie, and miss out on the moment. Thank you for reminding me. That brings comfort in a difficult time ❤️
#33
Deana Moore 5 years ago
I still have my fievel as well. I got him for my 3rd birthday and I am 37 now. His tail has been resown on several times over my life time and his eyes recolored with black sharpie but his clothes are still like brand new.
Autumn Walton 5 years ago
I used to love that movie!!! But what happened to poor Fievel's eyes? :(
Bunzilla 5 years ago
I'm guessing the eyes were painted onto plastic discs, and the black paint has worn away with time, love, and cuddles.
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Leslea Freeman 5 years ago
This was the very first movie I had ever seen at the movie theatre. I think it was "Feivel Coming to America" I was about 3 or four years old. Both my Mom and Dad brought me! I will never forget when the theatre went dark then all of the sudden the screen was so bright and then the booming sound !!! I was amazed beyond belief. Thank you for restoring my old memory of Feivel with your picture.
#34
#35
#36
Jim Ellington 5 years ago
Not too many pieces of art can claim to be gayer than the bottom one.
#37
#38
#39
Catlady6000 5 years ago
I wish they still taught handwriting in schools. I love to write by hand, it kind of like ice skating with your fingers
Load More Replies... Yeah, you heard 5 years ago
I wish I could read the handwriting. Can anyone tell me what it says? June 18 is all I can discern
#40
SilverLining 5 years ago
"Ellsworth Kelly was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker associated with hard-edge painting, Color Field painting and minimalism. His works demonstrate unassuming techniques emphasizing line, color and form." - Mr G. Oogle
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April Simnel 5 years ago (edited)
I've met Ellsworth Kelly when supervising a recording of a museum curator interviewing him for an audio guide in 2013. He was very old and in a wheelchair by then, but had a cracking, dry sense of humor. That painting is much different than his later work, but it anticipates it with the blocks, bold colors, and thick lines.
Jim Ellington 5 years ago
I'm glad she specified that the guy was in the middle of the black-and-white picture; for a minute I thought the artist was a pineapple-squash thingy.
#41
#42
#43
Lucas 5 years ago
Some were wood, some were leather - probably other stuff as well but not sure what. Can't tell with these. They are gorgeous skates!
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#44
TheCutestDeer 5 years ago (edited)
I thought she meant like her puppy that she adopted from the pound.... I was like "that's not a real dog though..." but then I searched it up ... I apologize for my lack of misunderstanding
deanna woods 5 years ago
No need to apologize for misunderstanding. I have had to look up some of this stuff and some of these people.
Load More Replies... Leslea Freeman 5 years ago
Did you have to find the collar for him deep in between the card board in his box that was his dog house? I remember playing with mine and finding the collars in the box and it was like finding a million dollar treasure
Emily Ashley 5 years ago
I still have mine too. He's brown with black spots. Brownie. He still has his collar even. He slept at the footsteps of my bed every night when I was a little girl keeping guard.
#45
M Adams 5 years ago
I think hands say a lot about a person. Maybe her sister worked/works with her hands, artist, seamstress, chef, etc.
deanna woods 5 years ago
I think you are very right about hands. The skin on my dad's hands is very rough, but that's only because he worked for the city and state road maintenance departments for 25 years and was exposed to the elements.
Load More Replies... #46
Viki Banaszak 5 years ago
Oh how I wish I wasn't in this state sometimes. I have envy right now.
#47
Jim Ellington 5 years ago
You are correct, Liggetts are truly awful, and I've tried all the cheap brands.
Pauline McLaggan 5 years ago
I just love that you've managed to keep that, it's possibly one of the last things he touched. I love the love people have for everyday things, and their stories. I still have the cork from my 18th birthday bottle of sparking wine(I won't call it Champagne) the waiter gave me it with a silver coin in it, meant to bring the drinker luck.
Christine M Quigley 5 years ago
My dad worked for Liggett/Myers tobacco company, L&M cigarettes. Smoked them too.
#49
#50
#51
deanna woods 5 years ago
Langston Hughes has always been cultural hero for me. Another one of my heroes is my great grandmother who helped Bonnie and Clyde.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Chrissa 5 years ago
We received a Magic Wheelchair cosplay costume for our daughter last year. It is one of our most precious items and we use it as often as possible (well we did before this whole virus thing decided to be more dangerous than xenomorphs) 70190335_2...79c21e.jpg 
Reina Art 5 years ago
I'm #37 on this list and it has very much brightened my isolating day to see this :-) A lovely boredpanda reader from germany contacted me to say, i'm so delighted! I have a vid of me on my fbook page painting live during isolation. It's mostly me laughing - but there is a painting at the end of it! page is public :-) (i'm faaar too chuffed about this tee hee)
Laugh Fan 5 years ago
Aw, I love how happy it has made you! Gorgeous painting as well. Stay safe and well Reina!
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Laugh Fan 5 years ago
Stunning dog! Kisses from my fur-babies! Oreo-Folly...a01689.jpg 
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
Mine is a simple silver bracelet with my husband's name on it that he got when he was born. His mother kept it all those years and gave it to me when we started dating. She told me her son had finally found a good woman and she was very happy with me. She never gave the bracelet to his former girlfriends, even though he was in a steady relationship for 5 years at some point. She just knew that girl wasn't good to him (she wasn't, she left him to go to Australia without telling him). I was (and am) so honored. It's extra special because I had barely got to know her, we were dating for just a few months and they lived far away, when she died from cancer. We're still together now, 20 years and counting. I wear that bracelet every day.
deanna woods 5 years ago
That is an amazing thing. She is still with you through that bracelet.
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What does a Foxxy say? 5 years ago (edited)
Besides my hubby and kids my most precious possessions are my family photos, scrapbook albums and our dogs urn. Not worth much monetary wise but all priceless to me.
deanna woods 5 years ago
Things don't need a monetary value to mean the world to you. I don't know how much my teddy bear cost but he means a lot to me.
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Bob Beltcher 5 years ago
1: Silverware set my great grandfather on my mother's side bought. He used to work at the factory making the sets. He bought 8 sets over all for roughly $20 A piece back in the early 1900's. Set is worth over $1,000 today. 2: My teddy bear General Brown that I've had since I was born. My older brother ripped his leg off when I was a kid so I named him General Brown. He lost his leg in the war.
ptm45 5 years ago (edited)
This is a ceramic jewelry box/container from my grandmother. My aunts kept this wrapped in tissue and in a padded box. 18301180_1...12d730.jpg 
Chrissa 5 years ago
We received a Magic Wheelchair cosplay costume for our daughter last year. It is one of our most precious items and we use it as often as possible (well we did before this whole virus thing decided to be more dangerous than xenomorphs) 70190335_2...79c21e.jpg
Reina Art 5 years ago
I'm #37 on this list and it has very much brightened my isolating day to see this :-) A lovely boredpanda reader from germany contacted me to say, i'm so delighted! I have a vid of me on my fbook page painting live during isolation. It's mostly me laughing - but there is a painting at the end of it! page is public :-) (i'm faaar too chuffed about this tee hee)
Laugh Fan 5 years ago
Aw, I love how happy it has made you! Gorgeous painting as well. Stay safe and well Reina!
Load More Replies... Laugh Fan 5 years ago
Stunning dog! Kisses from my fur-babies! Oreo-Folly...a01689.jpg
Demi Zwaan 5 years ago
Mine is a simple silver bracelet with my husband's name on it that he got when he was born. His mother kept it all those years and gave it to me when we started dating. She told me her son had finally found a good woman and she was very happy with me. She never gave the bracelet to his former girlfriends, even though he was in a steady relationship for 5 years at some point. She just knew that girl wasn't good to him (she wasn't, she left him to go to Australia without telling him). I was (and am) so honored. It's extra special because I had barely got to know her, we were dating for just a few months and they lived far away, when she died from cancer. We're still together now, 20 years and counting. I wear that bracelet every day.
deanna woods 5 years ago
That is an amazing thing. She is still with you through that bracelet.
Load More Replies... What does a Foxxy say? 5 years ago (edited)
Besides my hubby and kids my most precious possessions are my family photos, scrapbook albums and our dogs urn. Not worth much monetary wise but all priceless to me.
deanna woods 5 years ago
Things don't need a monetary value to mean the world to you. I don't know how much my teddy bear cost but he means a lot to me.
Load More Replies... Bob Beltcher 5 years ago
1: Silverware set my great grandfather on my mother's side bought. He used to work at the factory making the sets. He bought 8 sets over all for roughly $20 A piece back in the early 1900's. Set is worth over $1,000 today. 2: My teddy bear General Brown that I've had since I was born. My older brother ripped his leg off when I was a kid so I named him General Brown. He lost his leg in the war.
ptm45 5 years ago (edited)
This is a ceramic jewelry box/container from my grandmother. My aunts kept this wrapped in tissue and in a padded box. 18301180_1...12d730.jpg
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