Estate removalists/liquidators are coming over today to remove the last of all of dad's things, which is a *lot*, both materially and emotionally. They're going to be here for days sorting everything out.
I have feelings, but there are so many I'm still figuring out what they all are.
Dad was a "collector", and it's definitely something I've inherited. I like to hold onto things that might be useful in the future.
On one hand I'm incredibly grateful for that, it's given me an appreciation of natural resources that can be used, of human made items that can be salvaged, and has definitely been a contributing factor in why I've been able to get into repairs and volunteer at the repair cafe.
On the other hand, it requires energy and effort to say goodbye to things, and to not accumulate more. I have half a shelf at home of illustrated bird encyclopaedias, and it took real effort not to try and bring home dad's shelf of similar content. (We have no space for them, and I have books of every bird at home.)
The estate cleaners/liquidators mean that I have to make those hard decisions now, rather than putting them off. I've had more success in one hour this morning than I have had in the rest of the year put together.
Estate cleaners/liquidators are still working hard at dad's. I'm not there; I would just get in the way.
I've brought some last few things home, but the "get everything out of dad's place" is essentially over for me.
The main thing I feel is tired, and a little numb. Thinking is hard, nothing is really catching my attention. But I also feel a little lighter.
@pjf I’m in the middle of this too. Given my own similar tendencies I think i should make a “actually valuable in cash” shelf to distinguish against “better to keep in case” stuff as I worry i might have sent away for re-use something quite rare.
That said, I justified every “let it go” as a chance for someone to find their little gem, as I sometimes do at the op-shop.
Paul Fenwick
Julien Goodwin
Kit Bashir
Grant Trebbin
Michael Skeggs