Separation Anxiety
A few months ago I made $125 selling off a couple pieces of furniture that I can’t currently use in my present “digs”. It was strangely emotional, even though they really don’t have sentimental value. One was a baker’s rack and the other was a small, drop-leaf table that I bought when I moved into my second apartment after getting divorced more than a decade ago.
In this second 50 years of my life, I am (once again) going through big changes, adjustments, and growth. At the same time, for some reason, I am unusually prone to tears over things that really don’t warrant an emotional “outburst”. As the gentlemen who bought my furniture were taking it out the door, it made me sad. After quick analysis, I came to the conclusion that it was impactful because it represents how much of my past life I’m giving up and/or changing. As insignificant as these items may actually be, for me they initially represented a kind of independence at the time I bought them way back nearly 15 years ago. I’d grown attached to them, remembering all the knick knacks, photos, and kitchen/dining necessities I’d stored in and displayed on them!
It makes me realize how very difficult it must be for the elderly who have to give up so many of their possessions….some that may seem not worth thinking twice about…to move on into assisted living or nursing homes. How in the world do they find the emotional fortitude to do it? How do their caregivers deal with being, at times, the “heavy”, having to push them to make those decisions? I know I wouldn’t look forward to that role.
I think my mom and Grandma Darrow had a brilliant idea…give things away BEFORE you have to downsize. At our first family Christmas in July a couple of years ago, my mom had us all go through her things of value (and a few not so valuable) and tell her what we wanted. Although we haven’t taken them yet (she currently has plenty of room for them), I know it gives her a good feeling knowing there will be pleasure gotten from much of what has been treasured by her.
Of course, what happens if no one wants any of my “stuff”? Ooooo, I guess that could be a problem. I mean, who wouldn’t want the scroll I read from doing the “House of Uncle Thomas” from my 9th grade performance of Tuptim in The King and I????
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