Community Chat

[Anonymous032819]

My dad had a collection of seashells that he accumulated in the 1970's.

Total number of shells was about two dozen, or so.

I don't know the names of all the shells, but I do know that one of them was a conch.

These beautiful shells have been packed away since the 1980's.

As beautiful as they were, I knew that I was never going to display them, and appreciate them like they deserved to be.

Also, I am learning the art of letting go.

How long am I supposed to hang on to stuff, just because it belonged to my mom or dad?

That's a rhetorical question.

Since  I don't have any children, the stuff would scatter to the wind anyway after I kick the bucket.

Memories of it is enough.

So, a few days ago, I asked my supervisor if she would be interested in them.

She gave me a very enthusiastic "Yes!" .

So I gave her my dad's seashell collection, and she was so happy to get these beautiful shells, which included six large abalone shells, that my dad got when he used to go skin diving for them.

She told me that she has some decorating her garden, and others displayed in her home.

This makes me happy.

This collection that was sitting in a box for decades, is now being appreciated, like it should be.

Dad would be happy.

[alicedee]

Such a lovely thing to do!  Now those pretty shells will be delighting people's eyes instead of stashed in a box.  You gave them a new life!

As I've gotten older, I realize I don't really OWN anything....not a house, a car, jewelry, dishes.....they are just mine for a certain period in history, and when my time with them is through it is a fitting and good idea to let go and let them move to their next life.

And I know most of my "treasures" won't mean that much to my children or grands.....so I have begun passing a few important and meaningful pieces on to them now while I can explain why they are special.  

[dulwich]

@Anonymous032819   What a lovely way for your Dad’s collection to be displayed and lovely too for you to know they are appreciated -  well done you.

[DiAnne]

@Anonymous032819 

I know what you are saying.  I have a large amount ot shells (many of them conch) that my great-grandmother picked up on the beaches of Southern California in the late 1800's.  I do have some of them displayed in the top of the hutch but I also had her china that was imported from France.  My daughter is not interested in any thing like that and there really is not a market for it so I donated it to vintage sale at the local botanical garden.  I have so much of my mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. items to dispose of.

[Mindy D]

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@Anonymous032819 wrote:

My dad had a collection of seashells that he accumulated in the 1970's.

Total number of shells was about two dozen, or so.

I don't know the names of all the shells, but I do know that one of them was a conch.

These beautiful shells have been packed away since the 1980's.

As beautiful as they were, I knew that I was never going to display them, and appreciate them like they deserved to be.

Also, I am learning the art of letting go.

How long am I supposed to hang on to stuff, just because it belonged to my mom or dad?

That's a rhetorical question.

Since  I don't have any children, the stuff would scatter to the wind anyway after I kick the bucket.

Memories of it is enough.

So, a few days ago, I asked my supervisor if she would be interested in them.

She gave me a very enthusiastic "Yes!" .

So I gave her my dad's seashell collection, and she was so happy to get these beautiful shells, which included six large abalone shells, that my dad got when he used to go skin diving for them.

She told me that she has some decorating her garden, and others displayed in her home.

This makes me happy.

This collection that was sitting in a box for decades, is now being appreciated, like it should be.

Dad would be happy.

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@Anonymous032819 @I was a shell collector for many years. If your dad was a true collector, then before you let these shells go you really should check each shell. There are shells that are very valuable. 

[ID2]

I still have my collection of seashells I collected from the 1960's. Still sitting in a box in the basement.

[Harpa]

The letting go part....

It's heart-warming to know, though, that someone else is enjoying your Dad's beautiful shells.

I have a few large shells from my parents when they went to Florida (for the 1st time) and islands. I don't remember which is which anymore. They are sitting on the floor under the grand piano.

A few other sea things are nestling here & there throughout my home.

My moniker is named after a seashell, and also is French for harp, so it all fits for me nicely.

[AngelPuppy1]

That was very generous and kind of you to do!  I love shells and have quite a few myself from various trips to Florida and the Carolinas.  Not a massive or impressive collection but they are special to me!  I am sure your friend will get happiness from them.  

[AngelPuppy1]

@Harpa 

That's lovely, Harpa!! 

[shoptilyadropagain]

I'm so glad you were able to let them go and they were given to somebody who will use and appreciate them.  I have hundreds of shells that I've collected over the years.  My favorite is the olives from the Florida panhandle.  I have them in a vase type lamp,  I also have a large glass vase of them in my bathroom and also have one at work.  I don't let myself even look for them any more because I have so many!