We Had to Do it, So We Did!

Eventually, almost everyone has to do it: move their parents. My husband never had to because he emigrated from England, leaving his family behind. He’s the exception. My siblings and I just finished doing it, and my husband helped. We spent over two weeks working constantly—and are so glad it’s done.

So, we cleaned out the parental home, complete with many trips down memory lane. Note the purple crockery brought over to the USA by a war bride after WWII, which was given to Mom when the lady passed, and the blanket sleeper used by all five of us. And then there were the baby shoes, the boxes and boxes of papers, and SO MANY Christmas decorations!

It isn’t easy. Fortunately, we did it while Mom was still alive, which must be infinitely preferable to having to sort stuff out while grieving! In our case, Mom lived there, after Dad passed, for over seven years while becoming less and less able to do the upkeep. Not surprising at 89½.

Mom’s wish was that her children and grandchildren take as much of her furniture and possessions as possible. That will mean that anywhere she stays will feel a little like home to her, and our homes may become perhaps slightly more full.

So, having finished with her home, I am now starting on mine. I am purging, donating, selling, and giving away as much as possible, making room for what will be unpacked. I hope, when it’s my children’s turn to move their parents, there won’t be quite as much to do. But do I really have to part with that stained Tupperware?