Bittersweet
We started moving Grandmother today. She will be staying in a skilled nursing facility, and we had to begin distributing her things among the family. Everything has to go, or risk being sold in a massive garage sale. Needless to say, there were some members of the family who were in a feeding frenzy over the home theater equipment and such, but all I really wanted was the stuff that had sentimental value. There was so much that I couldn’t believe nobody wanted: pictures, paintings that she did, furniture that my grandfather made….I made sure that all the good stuff stayed with me, since I’m sure that one day I’ll be able to tell the stories to my children. All in all, it was cool to see and hear about their lives and to reminisce a little, but it was also odd and a little heartbreaking to watch a whole life be divvied up among the highest bidders.
The day before my wedding, my grandmother gave me my grandfather’s wedding band, which I have not removed since. It’s like my direct link to my own personal guardian angel in heaven. The things I brought home with me tonight, along with the furniture pieces that my grandpa made, all have an incredible amount of meaning, and they will be a legacy for my children. Still, though, it’s awfully hard to watch a lifetime of memories be boxed up and distributed.
September 6th, 2003 at 11:07 pm
I’m proud of you for getting things that are meaningful to you and will be great for our kids. That being said, that one painting your grandmother did is creepy as all get out. That thing might need to be wrapped and put in the attic next to Dorian Gray’s.
September 7th, 2003 at 9:36 am
I’m with you Merrin. I would’ve chosen the meaningful items as well. I have a pillow of my grandmothers, that I sleep with everynight, and it goes on almost every out of town trip with me. I worry about the day the pillow is so worn out it comes apart.
September 7th, 2003 at 10:19 am
Don’t worry, Camille. I’ll get you a new pillow.
September 7th, 2003 at 5:04 pm
So sad, sad, sad*:(
I’m a bit lost, and hoping I am not off track here, but I hope Grandmother is as healthy and happy as she can be!
September 9th, 2003 at 4:09 am
What’s great is that she is still living. Even the sentimental things are still materials. The stories she can tell you are much more meaningful to pass on to your kids and their kids.
If only I was as lucky as you.
September 9th, 2003 at 6:30 am
That may be quite possibly one of the more difficult things to do ever. Its especially hard. We’ll be praying for you.