“Do not store up for yourselves treasures…”
Over the last twenty-two days, Kevin and I have been purging—going through clothes, shoes, movies, and random stuff in our home. One would think this a monumental task, overwhelming because of the challenging way we decided to do it.
It seemed easy at first. January 1, we set aside one thing to give away, the second, two items, the third, three. The pattern, if followed, would amount to 496 items. Now that’s a big undertaking.
We started backward, which is much easier to do. Then the numbering went wonky, and we started tallying to see how many items were given. Somedays, I checked off a particular day because I had that many objects. On other days, tallying things worked better. No matter how we worked toward the goal, getting to the total number of the challenge turned out to be the game.
We have taken various things to thrift stores; other articles we have sold or are trying to sell. We are ahead of the game, I am happy to say, with only 31 items left to give or sell.
Our parents lived through the great depression. We were taught, waste not, want not: we may need this, that can be fixed, what if… I have lived this phrase throughout my life. So, it has been challenging to get rid of things. I’m by no means a hoarder, but enough is enough.
Kevin inherited his parent’s belongings—Kevin, the sole heir. I have my parent’s things–one of many heirs. But, it all landed in my lap, as I am living in my parent’s home now. Most of their belongings were in storage until mid-February last year. I planned to have a family gathering to let them choose what they wanted. Then, COVID 19 hit the streets. Isn’t that like life? Just when you think you can accomplish something, BAM! something else interferes. Slowly but surely, I have given things to my brothers and their families, but there is still a ton to go through. And there is this: Kevin and I have accumulated a lot on our own in the last 35 years. I feel like we have stuff coming out of our ears. Sheesh!
Anyway, what a freeing exercise. I believe I will do this again in a few months. Having to go through all my parent’s things, many of which are unwanted by the family, I have learned a lesson. Not everything I cherish will be cherished by others. I will then endeavor not to leave a ton of stuff for my children to deal with after my demise. Well, this is my hope anyway. It’s just stuff—some sentimental, some not. The ‘some nots’ are considered for the going—the sentimental for the asking. Tastes differ. And frankly, what I may have in abundance is what someone else may need.
We all have treasures to keep and treasures to give away.
Then again,
–“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
(Matthew 6:21)
A thought-provoking truth, to be sure.
Kaci, are you the same beautiful and talented person I use to work with over 30 years ago at Valley Bank. You taught my son his first piano lessons and then your friend Marta taught him. He just bought himself a baby grand and is still playing. You were always so talented. Let me know if you are the same sweet Kaci I knew years ago.
Pat Thursby
Oh, Pat! I am so delighted to hear from you!! Wow! A baby grand and still playing. My heart is full! I would love to hear him now. Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are doing well, my friend.
Kaci, I figured it out. It’s so good to hear from you. Dee from Valley Bank and me are still friends. Gary still plays the piano and is very good. He is thinking about teaching piano when he retires from UPS. Have thought of you often over the years. Hope you and your family are well. Congratulations to you and Kevin for 36 years. That’s hard to believe. I’m doing OK for being old. We are in small town off Route 66 in Helendale. It’s a HOA community. Keep in touch. 760 628 4768 is my phone number if you ever want to talk. Pat
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Thank you! So glad you found me here. So happy that Gary is still playing. Good idea to teach. Lessons are costly these days so he can make good money on the side.
I told Gary to look at your website. I wish I had his talent. Lol. Ted and Me are retired now. Miss the people. Lost my sister to Covid and Dee lost her husband to it. We have remained friends over the years. Both my boys are married. I have 1 step grandson. I guess it wasn’t meant to be but blessed to have 2 sons and their wives
Give me a call sometime. Are u North of Bakersfield now? We went to Kings Canyon a few months ago
Pat
I’d love to hear from Gary. Thanks for sending him my way. I am saddened to hear of Dee’s loss as well as your own. This plague has caused such heartache.
You c=got two boys, and I got two girls. Funny how things work out. Kings Canyon is a great place. Yes, we moved to Visalia. 🙂
A couple of exercises (if only thought;) you have one hour until a major disaster (flood or fire) will destroy your house. What do you take with you?
Limit yourself to what you can fit in the vehicles you have at the house.
Second exercise: you are leaving home, and you can only take what you can fit in one car. NOW what do you take? It’s not about “we can buy XYZ when we get there.” Assume you will be living with just what you bring. What becomes the most important?
Brings it home to reality of what matters and what doesn’t.
Yes. Good thoughts. My cousin’s house caught fire two years ago. She didn’t lose everything, thankfully, but one thing she told me is to have a go-bag ready. Hope you are doing well, Colleen. And, hope book sales are up. I need to order. 🙂