Ahhh, I've recently lost both my parents and they were also extreme hoarders. It took my brother and I the better part of a year to clear out their place. I understand the finding of birthday candles and Playmobil and receipts from the 70s. Leather jackets and Gucci shoes. I'm sorry you lost your father so suddenly but I'm glad you wrote these words. It's a beautiful essay and today when I go out into the world I will carry it with me.
My father died a year and a half ago. I was his primary caregiver for over three years. I somehow discovered the book Swedish Death Cleaning. But most importantly, your words really rang through with me. I’ve been saying since my father died I don’t have connection like I did in the past to my things. They’re just things and I just wanna get rid of everything and be free while I’m living. I thank you so much for this Substack.
What a great share - so sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. The black jacket that was “never his or yours either,” is a wonderful real life metaphor about what is most important in life. Hugs
Beautiful essay with wisdom we can all use. My brother in law passed away last week. He was a fashion freak. I knew he had nice clothes but I didn't realize how many. He was a large guy, so the thought of keeping a nice shirt, sweater or jacket was not practical. My wife and I bagged 24 bags of clothes and donated them to the mission on Spadina. They were very grateful. Ain's essay resonates with me regarding the personal value of things. When I go, I may have 3 bags of clothes, but a million bags of precious memories that only my lovely wife will retain.
My mother once said she'd spent half her life spending and half her life giving it all away. This was not entirely true as I found closets full of unopened boxes filled with small appliances, collectibles, junk, and 3 crammed full of clothes, shoes, and purses. She also had two tall furniture pieces designed for jewelry alone.
It took her four adult children weeks to toss, give away, and sell, a burden no one should have to suffer.
Ahhh, I've recently lost both my parents and they were also extreme hoarders. It took my brother and I the better part of a year to clear out their place. I understand the finding of birthday candles and Playmobil and receipts from the 70s. Leather jackets and Gucci shoes. I'm sorry you lost your father so suddenly but I'm glad you wrote these words. It's a beautiful essay and today when I go out into the world I will carry it with me.
My father died a year and a half ago. I was his primary caregiver for over three years. I somehow discovered the book Swedish Death Cleaning. But most importantly, your words really rang through with me. I’ve been saying since my father died I don’t have connection like I did in the past to my things. They’re just things and I just wanna get rid of everything and be free while I’m living. I thank you so much for this Substack.
Eloquent wise writing on a painful topic, so many sentences illuminating the ones to follow until the cave is lit up - the walls, white-washed.
Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate the new life the coat was given and the opportunity for someone else to love and benefit from it.
What a great share - so sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. The black jacket that was “never his or yours either,” is a wonderful real life metaphor about what is most important in life. Hugs
Beautiful essay with wisdom we can all use. My brother in law passed away last week. He was a fashion freak. I knew he had nice clothes but I didn't realize how many. He was a large guy, so the thought of keeping a nice shirt, sweater or jacket was not practical. My wife and I bagged 24 bags of clothes and donated them to the mission on Spadina. They were very grateful. Ain's essay resonates with me regarding the personal value of things. When I go, I may have 3 bags of clothes, but a million bags of precious memories that only my lovely wife will retain.
My mother once said she'd spent half her life spending and half her life giving it all away. This was not entirely true as I found closets full of unopened boxes filled with small appliances, collectibles, junk, and 3 crammed full of clothes, shoes, and purses. She also had two tall furniture pieces designed for jewelry alone.
It took her four adult children weeks to toss, give away, and sell, a burden no one should have to suffer.