I am participating in a garage sale this week. Yesterday, Tom and I went through things in the garage. Tom climbed in the rafters and dug out things stacked on the floor. Here is my question. Why does "stuff" you didn't even remember you had all of a sudden take on value and become something you don't think you can part with? We kept saying to each other, "If we don't do this now, someday our kids will have to!"
I really do know the answer to my own question. Even if "stuff" is dusty, old, broken or out of date, it is also clothed in memories.
I get to keep the memories....but the white, hardsided Samsonite luggage that I got as a high school graduation gift now has a new home.
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9 comments:
That's good. I know it's hard to part with things. You can always take a picture with you and your luggage (and the other things that have memories). That way at least you'll have something and it doesn't take up as much space, but you won't lose the memories they bring with it. Good for you. And I know it's tough.
It really is the memories. And the reason we decide we can't part with some things is the particular memories each of those items brings up. Just imagine the memories that wouldn't be memories if those items you're wondering about didn't find themselfes back into our hands?
That's one of the reasons I keep all the tapes of interviews I've done over the past 15 years. While packing to move to Iowa I found the tape with the interview I did with George W. Bush in the summer of 2000. I wouldn't have given that a second thought had I not found that tape.
I also understand the need to get rid of things. We threw away more than 25 garbage bags of stuff while packing.
AJ
I know you know sarah roo...I still remember the time we tried to clean out your dresser drawers when you were in junior high I think....that is one of my favorite memories...remember what you said?
I don't remember. But I do know that a few months ago I finally threw away a box of notes between my friends and me from junior high! It was still tough!
as we tried to go through things in your room sarah....everything had a meaning to you...and you finally said to me...."Mom, this is my life!" .. so we ended up keeping a lot of it and when it was time to let go you did...and still are...xo
Thank for this post judy. i have been going through all those emotions for a long time in getting ready for my move. So many things to go through...so many memories to re live and so many decisions to make as to what can be disposed of and what has to be kept...can and what...important words...decided for us by the memories...not by our own choice.
Now I know after reading your post that I am normal after all and I thank you for giving me the realisation of that. So i will now find it easier to get rid of the old stuff and keep the memories. Life has to go on. And you are right...we can't always afford our emotions.
your friend,
joe.
Thank for this post judy. i have been going through all those emotions for a long time in getting ready for my move. So many things to go through...so many memories to re live and so many decisions to make as to what can be disposed of and what has to be kept...can and what...important words...decided for us by the memories...not by our own choice.
Now I know after reading your post that I am normal after all and I thank you for giving me the realisation of that. So i will now find it easier to get rid of the old stuff and keep the memories. Life has to go on. And you are right...we can't always afford our emotions.
your friend,
joe.
hi ad......it really is the memories..and I liked your point about finding those memories when you touch the item...the item opens the closet door in which we have stored the memory....
you're welcome joe.....whether a person is packing to move like you are...or just going through things to simplify life like I am..it seems the task is one thing .. something to accomplish..and then there is the matter of the heart..a new thought just struck me..I know we can keep the memories without keeping the item..but there is something about touching an item that can also feel like you are touching a person...what made the thought come? I found an item in a cupboard as I was going through it yesterday..it was from my mom and I didn't remember that I even had it...a new post will be coming..
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