By Darrell Kirk

Sounder contributor

I’ll never forget spotting it tucked behind several vases and jars on the back shelf of “Grannie’s Corner” at the Orcas Senior Center — a cheerful M&M candy figure cookie jar with that unmistakable grin. My heart skipped a beat, not because it was valuable in dollars, but because I knew it would bring immense joy to my friend Nancy, who collects themed cookie jars.

As I carefully lifted the ceramic treasure from its hiding spot, I thought about how the best discoveries come from looking where others haven’t bothered to search. That M&M jar had been sitting there patiently, waiting for someone who would recognize its true value. It reminded me of something far more important: the hidden treasures that might be waiting inside our own bodies, where early detection can literally save lives.

Finding what others miss

Just like that cookie jar, colon polyps are often hidden in plain sight. They quietly develop in our intestinal tract, usually causing no symptoms. They’re the ultimate hiding-in-plain-sight treasure — except finding them early is infinitely more valuable than any vintage collectible.

When I presented Nancy with her surprise, her face lit up with the same joy I imagine people feel receiving a clean colonoscopy report. Both discoveries represent something precious: the jar brought happiness to a collector’s heart, while successful screening brings peace of mind and the gift of prevention to families.

The gift that keeps giving

Nancy’s cookie jar now brings daily smiles to kitchen visitors. But finding and removing colon polyps? That keeps giving in truly immeasurable ways. Doctors discovering potential cancer before it develops are finding tomorrow’s health problem while it’s still today’s prevention opportunity.

Like the best Grannie’s Corner treasures, these medical discoveries often surprise us. You might expect a routine checkup and leave with invaluable peace of mind from early detection.

Your treasure hunt awaits

Next time you’re in Eastsound, stop by Grannie’s Corner (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Senior Center front lobby). Browse carefully — you might find something unexpected. But while you’re there, if you’re over 45 or it’s been 10 years since your last colonoscopy, consider a different treasure hunt. Our staff can be a resource to refer people to Island Health and other colonoscopy locations, as well as a resource for other health screenings.

The treasure you find at Grannie’s Corner might bring momentary joy, but routine colonoscopy screening could give you years of health and peace of mind — the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.