Meaning: Erma Bombeck, a beloved American humorist and journalist, is known for her witty and insightful observations on family life, parenting, and everyday situations. The quote "Thanks to my mother, not a single cardboard box has found its way back into society. We receive gifts in boxes from stores that went out of business twenty years ago" is a humorous and relatable reflection on the tendency to hold onto items that may seem mundane or unnecessary to others, but hold sentimental value to the person who keeps them.

In this quote, Bombeck humorously credits her mother for her tendency to hold onto cardboard boxes. The mention of receiving gifts in boxes from stores that went out of business twenty years ago highlights the idea that these boxes are not just containers, but also relics of the past. The humor lies in the exaggeration and the recognition that many people can relate to the experience of holding onto items for sentimental reasons, even if they seem outdated or unnecessary to others.

Bombeck's writing often resonates with readers due to her ability to find humor in the everyday experiences of family life. In this quote, she captures the sentimentality and practicality often associated with holding onto items, using it to create a lighthearted and relatable reflection on the quirks of human behavior.

The quote also speaks to the idea of preserving memories and holding onto objects that hold personal significance. While to some, the act of keeping cardboard boxes may seem trivial, to others, it represents a connection to the past, a sense of nostalgia, or a practical use for potential future needs. Bombeck's humorous take on this common behavior sheds light on the emotional attachment people can have to seemingly insignificant objects.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the value of frugality and resourcefulness, traits that were often celebrated by previous generations. The idea that boxes are not simply discarded, but reused and repurposed, reflects a mentality of waste not, want not. This sentiment aligns with the values of making the most of what one has and finding practical uses for items that others might discard.

Erma Bombeck's quote continues to resonate with audiences because it captures a universal aspect of human behavior – the tendency to hold onto objects for sentimental, practical, or nostalgic reasons. By infusing her observation with humor, Bombeck invites readers to reflect on their own idiosyncrasies and attachments to seemingly ordinary items. In doing so, she creates a connection with her audience, reminding them that even the most mundane aspects of life can be a source of laughter and shared experience.