Inheriting things that were important to my loved ones has changed me. I used to get so angry with my mom for her clutter and inability to discard items she never used. Going through all the paperwork was not a one-person task, but there were some gems. The one that really stands out to me is my grandfathers baptism certificate from 1898 Herzegovina.
When I was 22, I moved to Baton Rouge with everything I owned in my Daihatsu Charade. Now I'm double that age and I've a acquired a bit more than a carload of items. Most of what I own is functional, but there are those things with which I just can't seem to part. A good example is the collection music CDs that I've either already downloaded or have no desire to listen to again. That alone takes up 3 file boxes in my office closet. And don't get me started about paperwork!
Then there are the "Collection" items (I've lovingly come to call Cindy's things) that I saved for her nearest and dearest. It gave me great joy to make sure her friends received a keepsake of hers. But it still wasn't easy. I have thoughts of hoping they know how precious these items are, and that they'll take good care of them. That's where I can relate to the hoarders. I know it's dysfunctional thinking, because the truth is, it doesn't really matter what becomes of stuff, only what becomes of people.
I remind myself that if I had nothing from the long list of those who went before me, it would be irrelevant. What I DO have are habits and traits I've picked up along the way. Grandma Blanche's love of baking, Gladys' commitment to family, Dad's tender heart for animals, Kristie's desire to be a better person, Judi's humor, Mom's assertiveness, and Cindy's joy of life. What a rich inheritance!
Watching Buried Alive with you is one of the funnest things. Watching anything with you is one of the funnest things. I miss you so much it hurts.
ReplyDeleteI miss you too Trace, it's not fair! I forgot to mention inheriting relationships...that's been the best part!
ReplyDeleteFor many years I have told myself that I am not a "keeper or collector of stuff"............ however, each time I have come back from visiting Cindy in either home, I walk around this place and say "You are getting close to being a hoarder."
ReplyDeleteO.K. I don't keep little bits of string in a ball, nor keep the lids from yogurt containers, but tell me, does anyone, even if you are in the B&B business and actually use them, need approx. 200 cloth napkins? Or 9 little teapots? Yes, my guests use them, but they leave, and I am sure that if they come back another year, they won't remember the colour of the napkin that they used the last time.
And, what about the probably 400 long playing records, yes, the big vinyl ones that are still in this house? Any idea of who wants to buy or even have for free all the 60's and 76's music?
Being in the same house for 35 years surely is a bit of an excuse, for there are just so many memories of children both growing up here and vistors, but it's time to do something drastic. I have started, I tell myself that every week a couple of small things just have to go to the thrift shop, and I've been fairly consistent.
Next project on this agenda is to put in the new kitchen that was put on the back burner because of November 29. Kitchen has to be a custom made one, for the KitchenAid Stand Mixer that I have from HB is too tall for the cupboards as they are now. When the old cupboards are emptied, there will be many items that will not go into the new ones, but the KitchenAid will be front and center. I may even have to start baking, Cindy would like that.