I have a very elderly relative (my grandma) who is in her late 90s. She was a school teacher, but has been retired almost as long as I can remember. Some where way back one of her students gave her a small about 7" stalactite or stalagmite. She gave it to my mom a few years ago. My mom, who is also a school teacher, actually takes it to school to show her students (5th graders). My mom knows how much I am into caving and wants to give it to me, as long as I let her use it occasionally for her classes. I'll be flat out honest in saying that I want it. I dont want to sell it. I dont want to flaunt it... if we knew where it came from exactly, I would try to restore it, but there is no telling where it came from given that its been in the family for over 50 years and is sort of an heirloom in a way.
You folks know me, and know how into cave conservation that I am. At no point in my life would I ever consider taking a cave formation. I've even complained to eBay about the formations for sale, so I feel like a hypocrite. This thing is going to be in my possession one day soon. I feel guilty about it, but at the same time, its been in the family so long now, and I would assume that it stay in the family at least for now. I did tell my mom that when she shows it to her science class to EMPHASIZE that taking cave formations is ILLEGAL. (so now my mom is feeling bad about having it too).
Please dont crucify me. My grandma probably didnt think a thing about owning it, and my mom always saw it as an educational tool. Vandalism never occured to either of them. It probably didnt occur to the unknown person who actually removed it, as it was so long ago.. long before conservation was an issue. I'm just being honest and upfront. I do not at this time have it in my possession anyway, so far I'm guilty of nothing. But one of these days it will be mine. Your thoughts?