Among Friends

[I am still oxox]

As part of the cleanup from our renovation we are cleaning up spaces. I sorted through cards from my parents and grandparents to me as a child, cards given to me as an infant, cards given to my parents on their 25th anniversary. Sorting through the cards really touched my heart

[MalibuFox]

@I am still oxox  yes I've learned to try and "steel myself " when I do this.. going down memory lane can be so bittersweet 

                                       Malibu🌸💗

[AuntG]

Did some of that when I took early retirement. Still have boxes of pictures and photo albums to get through.

[PinkyPetunia]

I used to keep greeting cards when I was much younger, but after a move I wondered why I kept moving these things from place to place.  I tossed them and haven't missed them.  Same with old sentimental ashtrays, figurines and souvenirs.

My son took my 2 boxes of photos and I am glad.  I never looked at them.  

[msgb]

In the past few years I have helped a brother who has done most of the work since the passing of our parents (3 and 6 yrs ago). It is hard because there are 7 of us "kids" amd we are all over the world. I have kept some items but then when I "review" them again I perhaps I do get rid of the item. It is taking up space and well it can become overwhelming to have too much of the "stuff".

[SandySparkles]

@I am still oxox I can certainly understand the whirlwind of emotions you are experiencing as you painstakingly sort through those PRECIOUS memories!😊 When I cleared out my dear mother's storeroom, I experienced deep sadness one minute, and immense joy with comforting memories next!❤

I hope those heartwarming memories will help sustain you as you move forward through the process.  It can be VERY emotional!❤🤞

I have never had to clean up after a renovation, but can imagine just how challenging it is for you because of your medical issues, so I am wishing you WELL as you continue to endure the cleanup!🥰

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[on the bay]

I do save many cards and I do re-read them. So wonderful. I don't think I will get rid of them til I die and well then someone else will have to!

I have albums too and like to look at them. I've made special ones for each child and my mother .

I was so lucky that I got to go through all of my mothers photos saved over the years with her. Sometimes she didn't know who they were and we'd say who is that?! So those we would throw out. We went through all her cards and letters and saved some and she would tell me the stories behind them. So many pictures too. Some I sent to other family members with her permission.

I will treasure these moments forever.

[nevergivesup]

@I am still oxox  I can sympathize with your feelings. It can be very difficult to let go of these sentimental treasures even when you know it's time. I can share a suggestion that worked for me.

During COVID lockdown, I went through an entire steamer trunk filled with 50 years of special cards from my husband, my son's childhood drawings, report cards, touching notes sent to me from friends and relatives when I  had breast cancer in my forties etc. etc. etc. etc. There was a lot!

Taking my 46 year old son's suggestion, I filled 1 Manila envelope with a few of the most treasured and let the rest go. I was so glad I did it. I'm not leaving an extra task for my son and dil to deal with when I'm gone and I took the time to honor these items once more before I let them go. Once in a while when I dust my bookcase, I look through the envelope and smile but no regrets.

Good luck on your journey!

[CarolinaGirl88]

I know what you mean. I have a lot of old notes and cards like that, too. It's bittersweet to look at them, and they really bring back a flood of memories. I also have a lot of hand made cards from students over my 34 years in the classroom that I can't part with. I have all of these in some of those nice decorative boxes that are available from various places. 

[on the bay]

@CarolinaGirl88 I have my cards in one decorative box too. I will go through them once or twice a year and well throw away 1 or 2! And be proud of myself lol! But in the meantime I've loved reading them all over again!