One would think if you do something enough times that you would become good at it. This will be the second time I have moved in less than a year – first from Silverton to Wilsonville in September and now from house to apartment in Wilsonville and since we only signed a three month lease, I will have to move again.
Every time I pick up an object to pack it away, I look at and wonder why? Why am I keeping this? What value does it add to my life? Is it worth packing, unpacking and packing again? Will I miss it if it stays in storage for three months?
Most of my nice dishes, old books, furniture and paintings are hand-me-downs from both sets of grandparents. There are a few objects like the vase with the shamrocks, a painting from England, some teacups, a wicker basket, a wooden duck, a steamer trunk and my old books that I hope my kids keep and then their kids keep…
But more importantly what I hope my kids keep are the memories associated with the items. The wicker basket was my Grandma Christine’s that she used to bring homemade pies to family dinners. I now use it to go to the library, bring food to family dinners or go to the farmers’ markets.
As I pack again, I am determined to keep only what brings value to my life. The rest will be given away to family and friends, donated or sold. There's something refreshing about lighting my load.
As I sit on the couch, I am listening to Kate and Bryan in the garage playing basketball and Kate telling Bryan thank you for shooting with her and then Blake and Kate talking about going to the store and Blake asking Kate to take him and his two friends to one of the boy’s house. These are not monumental moments. But there are moments of love and kindness.
Moments to pack away and keep. Moments more priceless than anything I own that can be packed away in a box.
Half FULL! Half FULL! :)
ReplyDelete