The Pick Up
Ten boxes of my husband's clothing will hopefully find new homes with either veterans in need or if resold, proceeds going to services for vets. The Disabled American Veteran (DAV) truck picked them up yesterday, leaving me with more floor space in a corner of the family room. I kept his run shirts and a box of sweatshirts my youngest still wanted to go through. Included in the donation was two full packing boxes of items with tags still on. I hope those go to vets in the various residential homes in the state. It seems appropriate that the random set up date for the pick up, based on when they'd have trucks in the area, is just the week after my brother's (a vet) funeral.
I added a bag of my clothing discards as well, plus a box of assorted clutter, useable stuff for others hopefully. It was a process getting out to the end of the driveway. Those boxes get heavy when stuffed full so I was happy my son did the job. ( They hadn't picked up by 10:00 and I actually added one more bag of miscellaneous items.)
I hope letting go of his clothes and more of mine and finding they're not missed, remind me these are just things; most serving no purpose. They are not being worn or used. They don't bring joy at the site of them. They hold no sentimental value that gives me comfort. The items that do, I've already set aside or the kids have them. His tool box and larger tools, childhood keepsakes and memorabilia are still here. His various sports jerseys hang in my closet and get worn by any of us on game day. My son has the wool top coat that had been his grandpa's, then his dad's. My older daughter has the multiple patched sweatshirt literally worn thin in places as he wore it so frequently. He had his favorites and was a man that did not bow to fashion trends. She bought it for him her first Christmas working as a videographer for a national athletic wear company.
My youngest still wants to pick a few things to keep, but hasn't had mental capacity to do so yet, hence why I kept that box. I'm sure there's still lurkers in the entry closet, hiding in boxes here and there that I'll continue to purge as will and ambition strike. This is just the next step. As more space is cleared in my home, I hope it leaves room for peace, calm, and new memories.
Proud of you. Rationally, it’s quite easy to do. Emotionally is a whole different thing❤️ JoAnn
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more JoAnn. Sam has been so strong!
DeleteIt's a difficult step to box up a loved ones clothing... an important step in the process but emotionally hard. The clothing all goes to their thrift stores (not to Veterans) so everyone who needs those items can purchase them.
ReplyDeleteSmall steps are good steps, all done in your own time. Congrats on gathering and gifting to those with needs. It all honors your husband and opens up space, both physical and mental, for you in this life you didn't choose. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteGreat small step :) my friend kept some of her dad's clothing as did her siblings when he passed away too. <3 just takes a little reminder to unlock a whole lot of memories.
ReplyDeleteWell done on a hard task. Sounds like you've hit a good balance of keeping what you or the kids still might want, while giving away things that you don't. Feels like very good synergy to be giving it away to a veterans organization on Memorial Day weekend, a week after your brother's funeral. May the clothing benefit those in need and bring some joy to their day. - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteAnd it definitely will make more space for peace and calm. It was a hard thing to do, but you did it with an open heart and mind. Kudos to you, because that represents a lot of work! (:
ReplyDeleteYou did a really hard thing. And, you did it in your own time. Good for you. Opening up your physical space will lead to opening emotional space.
ReplyDeleteThis was a major accomplishment for a widow. Sounds like you did it right by the kids, too, and are donating to a good cause.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. And a good organization to boot!
ReplyDeleteGood work... I've got my father's stuff still to go through.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great step, Sam. I love that you all wear the sports stuff on game days.
ReplyDeleteDonating the clothing of a loved one is a huge milestone. After my mom died, my dad asked me to take her clothing to the thrift store. As I was walking out of their apartment with the clothes, I could tell he was getting emotional. When I asked if he wanted to keep anything of hers, he said, "Why? None of it fits me." We both laughed and it was nice break from the sorrow.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I hope they all find homes and good use.
ReplyDeleteThat's really good of you. A great cause
ReplyDeleteTo all comments...thank you for understanding how hard this was while acknowledging it was necessary. I had to do it in my own time. More purging ahead this week and tomorrow is supposed to be rainy so a good day for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to do. Men's clothing is always in short supply in our charity shops here and your husband's clothes will be very much appreciated, I'm sure. xxx
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