My mom has been collecting miniatures for 50 years. They have taken over our 1000-square-foot basement.

Celina Myers's mom has been collecting miniatures for 50 years.

Courtesy of Celina Myers

• Celina Myers' mom has collected miniatures since she was 14 years old.
• Their entire basement is filled wall-to-wall with tiny treasures.
• Now disabled, her mom still finds joy in adding to her collection.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Celina Myers. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I was a little girl, I remember having birthday...