Possessions

This morning I got an email about Grandma's stuff. Specifically it was letting everyone know that since they are predicting a strong hurricane season, if you want anything from her house you should speak up now. The siblings (meaning Grandma's kids) are getting together and will try to meet all requests.


There was no need for a will. Of the fourteen kids there will be no bickering.


So my parents, brother and I brainstormed about anything we might want from Grandma's house. My Dad sent Grandma some China from the Philippines when he was stationed there during Vietnam. Seven of the plates were broken during shipping. So it's 24 settings minus 7 plates.


I crocheted a prayer shawl for her several years ago in a soft heather blue. I also gave her a birdfeeder shaped like a pair of hands. And the coffee mug with Little d and Little m's pictures.


My brother remembered that Dad made a wooden lighthouse for her that was turned on his lathe.


Mom remembered a cross with the face of Jesus on it.


And so it went. Different memories of Christmases and times past. Stories with each gift. Visions of her opening her gifts at Christmas.


This sorting through things and dividing out is not about holding on to these possessions. I mean, what will I do with an "I Heart Grandma" Disneyland mug? Rather, it's about holding onto the memories of someone we cherished.


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For the last few months, well since Memaw passed away, Poppy has been visiting us more often. He comes up here at least two times a week. My parents don't want him left in POC alone, so if they are both going to be up here, they bring him too. And I've really enjoyed it. And the girls have warmed up to him.


Every time he visits he brings some little trinket for them. For a while it was my grandmother's beaded necklaces. And I remembered just about every outfit she wore with each one. Now it's other things. And they all bring back memories.


It seems that all of her things bring back memories for him as well and it's hard for him to have them around. He also loves to give things to the girls.

It's funny how possessions can evoke such memories. I look around my house and think that in the new house I want to really concentrate on only hanging onto things that have meaning, or that I love. Not just random clutter. We'll see how successful I am at that!

Little md update: He weighs 13 pounds and six ounces (at 6 weeks). He's 23 inches tall and his head is 15 1/4. My little chunk! Last night he let me sleep for four hours. In a row. An all time record. Repeat performance welcome...

Side note: It took me three days to write this post. Hmpt.