Adult Children by Stephen Beals for May 29, 2018

My task this summer. Another round of purging.

I’ve told my son – I pity you when I die having to sort through all the boxes of “stuff” in the attic!

I can relate. My grandmother said that the months (or maybe a year) of going through the boxes in the attic, basement, bedrooms and closets (Hoarder), were our problem for after she died. She didn’t know you could rent large garbage dumpsters and have them put on the driveway. My siblings, cousins and I spent one Saturday afternoon with pizza and beer and got everything cleared out. Quick snap decisions were made about what to keep…which was very little. And that morning we had a charity truck come by to pick up the furniture and appliances that were in good enough condition to donate.It is self delusion to think that the things you save will be worth anything to anyone else.

“To be sure”

There is a simpler way. Just move. It is amazing on how much stuff gets lost when you move.

My problem is, when I throw something away, I need it a month later. I know, I cleaned out my workshop last month.

I just downsized to Senior retirement living place. I HAD been clearing out for several years. Not near enough. When push comes to shove, you find yourself shoving tons out the door! Hint: You will NOT miss it!!!

It’s going to be hard for me.

My home is full of stuff that was mom’s and pop’s. Thing is, i grew up with those things around me. I have some good memories associated with a lot of it.

Mom and pop both had good taste. Mom had an eye for decor, and pop had an eye for quality.

I’m still using the pecan furniture that pop bought just after my little brother was born.

I do not save anything I no longer use.

Oh, man! I can’t show this to my wife…