After my extraordinary mom passed away I had to deal with her ‘filled to the brim’ condo; along with the aching loss.
For four years her cheerful residence was buried in medication and all the accoutrements that go along with the loss of independence and demise of well-being. And despite my mom’s valiant efforts to hold onto her signature effervescence and positivity…her apartment succumbed. Cleaning out her place, post death, offered up a roller coaster of emotions.
Step one was ridding the space of all things medical. With the weighty, medicinal fog lifted I could feel my mother’s spirit rejoice. The good juju was back.
Step two involved going through her personal stuff…she saved EVERYTHING. Letters, cards, photos – did I mention the letters and cards?! And I read every. single. one. Love letters that go back to high school, letters from her brother while he was serving in WWII, love notes penned by my dad and written on pieces of scrap paper and sentiments from my husband, two granddaughters and me. I cried…a lot…it was cathartic. And except for the cards without written sentiment, they are now in my possession.
Next, I emptied and consolidated items from cabinets, wall units, dressers, closets. Bag after bag went to Salvation Army or the dumpster. Items of meaning were carefully wrapped and transported to my house. Where am I to put it all?
How many sets of dishes does one person need?
If you asked my mom – oodles.
Clothing and shoes? Heaps.
Costume jewelry? Oodles and heaps.
Scarves and belts? OY.
Then there were the kitchen cabinets. As I emptied those cupboards I discovered more of the brilliance of my mother with every single shelf, no matter the size or irregularity of shape – catching crumbs, spills and sticky matter. Shelf liner.
Her wisdom has always been irrefutable.
Her optimism and strength of character, undeniable.
Her love of life, unquestionable.
What a gift she was to me and to all that knew her.
But oh what a delightful surprise to discover the final gift she left me.
Shelf liner is the shit.
Aunt “Nita” was so cute. I think of her often as I pass by her building next to mine.
Love that she is thought of!!
Oh Karen!! Your heartfelt words describing your beautiful Mom touched my heart! I cried! Having known your Mom personally and experienced her joy and “specialness” firsthand, I know what a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother she was. How lucky you are to have had her. And, of course, experiencing all the same having lost my Mom 7 months ago….your words hit home.
Our beautiful, wonderful moms. How I miss her every day. Actually she always encouraged my writing and wanted me to do something with it…this is for you mom!
Aunt “Nita”, so cute. The building next to me is still my Aunts building. I think of her often.