Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

THE OLD MANTLE CLOCK

Time, Togetherness, and the Stories That Bind Us

Some heirlooms tick louder in memory than in sound. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how shared objects become emotional anchors, and how laughter, love, and legacy are wound into the gears of everyday life.

We have this old wooden mantle clock shaped like a wave. On the face of the clock, there are two winding mechanisms: one for controlling the movement of the hands and one for controlling the striking of the bell. Of course, you can shut the bell off if you wish. Many guests in our home have requested that change after trying to sleep through the night while the bell sounds every 15 minutes. It is funny how we have adjusted to this and do not even hear it.

That clock was an early purchase in our marriage. We made two significant purchases in our first year, and the mantle clock was the first. One of our favorite pastimes was visiting antique shops and live auctions. We have acquired many things in our home through auctions. There was one particular auction house that we used to frequent on Friday nights once a month. Over time, we became friendly with the auctioneer. On one particular night, we arrived late, and the place was packed. There were no seats together, so we split up and sat on opposite sides of the hall. When the clock came up, the bidding was slow at first, so I raised my paddle to place a bid. A couple of other bids increased the price, and I bid again. Then, there appeared to be a contest between me and someone on the other side of the room. Yep. You guessed it. The auctioneer let this go on for a couple of rounds and finally asked if I wanted to outbid my husband again. The house erupted in laughter. That is part of why the clock remains. It is a reminder of how easily we come together.

What brings you together with those that you love? Shared stories of fun, adventure, and silliness are good glue for any relationship. When meeting new couples, I enjoy hearing their stories of how they met and what holds them together. We are born connected and spend our lives seeking connection with others. If we are fortunate, we can find one person for a lifetime of connection. We build stories together. These are the glue that holds us together and brings joy to ourselves and others we meet.

I hope you have your own “Old Clock Story.”

Want to explore how heirlooms and shared memories foster emotional connection? Visit Heirloomed’s story of a namesake mantle clock, Living Life Retired’s reflections on a father’s clock and legacy, and Heirloom Explorer’s journey through vintage clock history.

If you’re reflecting on connection, memory, or emotional legacy, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and relational healing.