Key Chain
For many years I carried several key chains. The one for work had keys for padlocks, keys to access doors, it even had keys to access boxes that have keys in them. I had my van keys and my remote starter with security. I also had a key chain with my house keys.
February 2017 I had an accident that gave me a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). My TBI brings with it symptoms similar to a concussion, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and others. Now I find myself no longer needing all those keys for work, the keys that were for all those padlocks, doors and boxes with hidden keys. The keys that spent so many years clipped to my belt loop, that jingled when I walked, had gone silent. No longer allowed to drive, the keys to the van have been put aside.

In my pocket is a key chain with six keys, one for the house, one for the garage and four keys I can not identify. I’m sure that at one time, these four keys had some kind of importance, a usefulness, a purpose. There has to be a logical reason to be hanging on to these four keys. There may have been a sentimental connection perhaps, I just don’t remember what they are for or even when they may have been used.
At one time, these keys had a use, a function, maybe even an important purpose. Possibly a new function for the keys will be found, a new purpose for them to stay on the key chain or maybe a whole new function, something different from what they were originally designed for.
Maybe some day there will be a reason for me to need these keys again.

I love your piece about Keys, I used to have lots of keys and it reminded me of the box full my husband and I have, keys are merely a way of life when one works as you did. This is an oportunity for finding New Keys…the kind that don’t necessarily open anything except good thoughts. I was in a plane crash and had a huge impact on my way of life, couldn’t walk for nearly 20 months, had to learn to walk again, and when I first got out of rehabilitation I had this huge ring of keys that I couldn’t do anything with or recognize, it bothered me horribly, then a friend gave me a coloring book with beautiful Keys and I started coloring them and giving them names, My Key to walk without crutches or a brace, my key to remembering everyone loves me, etc…If it would help I would love to get you the book and colored pens…You are braver than you think, stronger than you will ever know and loved even by the angels!
I wrote this after I haws electrocuted in 2017. In 2006 I was in a MVA and next week I’m having a knee replacement as a result. I’ll be thinking of your key story as I work through the the healing stages.
I’m so sorry to hear that happened to you! I have one set of keys but my husband and I transfer keys depending on what we need them for.
I had a small keychain for my bike and then a key ring with all my apartment keys and key chains on that (I have two keys), I need something to remind where I put my keys. I tend to forget in the morning
I’ve had the same key ring for probably the last 20 years at least. I like to keep things simple!
So sorry for what happened to you, I hope one day you’ll remember what those keys were for <3
Sounds like those keys are a metaphor for so many things in your life, hidden still inside of you, but not at the forefront anymore. I’m sure you’ll find those memories and the use for keys if the need ever presents itself.
Sorry to hear about your accident and how it affected you. I like how you’re kind of positive about it and believe that you’ll remember what the keys are for when you actually need to use them again!
I feel so sorry for what happened to you and for continuously experiencing that everyday. I just prayed for you to become strong and have more patient in waiting for your full recovery.
I am so sorry to hear about your TBI. Wishing for your fast recovery and find your keys. In time you will find those keys.
Key is really important in our lives, both literally and figuratively. It will helps us open doors that will lead us in the right way.
So sorry to hear that my dear. Wishing you the best. I also carry a lot of keys, I even have one from my old apartment
I’m so sorry to hear about your TBI! I’ll pray for you to recover soon!
I always have a hard time throwing away keys, especially when I’m not sure what they unlock.
I had keys on my keyring for baggage locks that I misplaced and yet kept the keys on it for years.
That is horrible what happened to you. Keys–I have two key chains-one for my car and a defunct lock from a clients house–the other–well–I know what three of them are for–as for the other 7 or 7 of them–no clue.
So sorry to hear about your TBI. Has it gotten better. ..your memory? Let me tell you about keys….I have not had any injury…and there are keys on my keychain I cannot identify 😉
I am so sorry to hear about your incident. I know how hard it is for you but I have faith that someday you will know the uses of those 4 keys just wait and be patient.
Aw man, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been there before!
I am sorry to hear about your accident and how ti affected you. I hope that one day you will find out what those 4 keys open.
I’m so sorry to hear about your TBI. I worked with a gentleman with TBI for a while and it was hard for him. But he is striving.
Your title intrigued me! I have a separate key ring for keys I seldom use. On it, there are 3-4 keys that I have no clue to where they go!