Hi Neighbor,
Fall felt like a good time to move along some of my valued items. I wrestled and made peace with my feelings of holding on and letting go when presenting prized family possessions to the next generation. I imagined scenarios of that moment, handing them over to my grown-up kid’s care and appreciation. In these actions, I saw sentimental turnings of the wheel of life.
After much introspection about saying goodbye to heirlooms and the personal implications of aging and parting in general, I’d envisioned a scene of gratefulness and tears. Geez, I imagined quite a scenario! Instead, I was met with the offers being respectfully declined.
“What will I do with formal dishes and glasses Mom?” followed by the unforgettable “Everyone uses recyclable plates now.” “I like Grandma’s necklace but it’s not really my taste.” Huh. Not exactly what I expected. Well, back into the cabinet they’ll go, I guess.
It’s only stuff, I said, mostly to myself. The important things in life have always been and continue to be intangible. The kids know that. So, no tears. No dramatic hand-off from one generation to the next. They will acquire their own paper version of my prized possessions or none at all.
It’s really been a wake-up call to learn that things I valued for a lifetime are of no interest to the kids. But I also discovered lately that other people want them. It’s just the people I want to want them, don’t want them! There’s a market for things I cared for through the years. So, they weren’t returned to the cabinets after all. They were sold privately. I just thought they’d go home with people sharing my name.
It was surprising that what I perceived to be of sentimental value wasn’t shared. Honestly, this realization made it much easier to say goodbye to a lot of things. They found good homes elsewhere. Now I hope nobody changes their mind and wants them back.
Jane
I’ve been dealing with this topic for several decades now. My deep sentimentality weighed me down with “treasures” and things that once belonged to several generations of family members both in this country and in Italy. The kids took what they wanted twenty years ago but most remained for me to store, handle, dust, contemplate etc. No more. Here I am, in my seventh decade, still working on
View moreI’ve been dealing with this topic for several decades now. My deep sentimentality weighed me down with “treasures” and things that once belonged to several generations of family members both in this country and in Italy. The kids took what they wanted twenty years ago but most remained for me to store, handle, dust, contemplate etc. No more. Here I am, in my seventh decade, still working on it but I’m getting there. It really is only stuff. Yesterday we brought a car full to one of our local charity thrift stores. Some items have been sold. We have a standing weekly appointment with Vietnam Veterans who pick up. Hopefully, my kids will be happy that Mom and Dad became minimalists in their older years.
View lessHi Diane! Thanks for the response and for reading MainLine Neighbors. Good to hear you can relate! I agree that local charity thrift stores are a great place to give a second life to
items in good condition.
Hi Diane! Thanks for the response and for reading MainLine Neighbors. Good to hear you can relate! I agree that local charity thrift stores are a great place to give a second life to
View lessitems in good condition.
Time for a flea market. The Friends of Vernon Park, located in Germantown are having their annual flea market this Saturday, Oct 18. Only $12 in advance and 20. the day of. Lots of space and great people.
Time for a flea market. The Friends of Vernon Park, located in Germantown are having their annual flea market this Saturday, Oct 18. Only $12 in advance and 20. the day of. Lots of space and great people.
View lessHi RL,
Thanks for your response. Great to know about local flea markets to share with our readers!
Hi RL,
View lessThanks for your response. Great to know about local flea markets to share with our readers!