What's Old is New

Even the most organized, minimalistic people leave behind a whole lot of stuff when they pass away. No matter how often you clean up and donate to DI, you will still leave behind clothes, furniture and personal items that were part of your life of earth.

Last week, my dad asked my sister and me to clean out our mom's closet. Mom's closet was clean and well-organized, but it was still a tough assignment. We found a few things for ourselves, saved some items as keepsakes for family members and got rid of the rest. It was an emotionally draining experience. I am grateful that I was prepared by helping to clean out John's parents' belongings.

My sweet mother-in-law, Mary Alice, passed away in 1990, so many of her belongings were given away or disposed of years ago. Since my father-in-law survived for another 16 years, he of course, kept many useful things that were "theirs". Upon his passing, some of his things were sorted through and organized, but his second wife, Pearl continued living in the home, so many of his possessions remained in his home. Pearl passed away last spring, so it was only last summer that all of John's parents' belongings were finally divided, sold or donated.

Sorting through a lifetime of "stuff" is a big job. John's family worked hard and took care of everything, finally even selling the family home last fall.

During our New Year's trip to Utah, we picked up this "survivor" that belonged to Mary Alice. This little cabinet sat in her entryway for years. Even when Pearl redecorated and refurnished the home, she kept this cabinet. Now it is my turn to have it in my entryway. It contains some of Mary Alice's treasures and is a reminder to me of her Christlike life and example.


People are always more important that things, but I am grateful to have some tangible reminders of people I love who are waiting for me on the other side.