Gransnet forums

Relationships

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Giving things away. Things with meaning.

(3 Posts)
Add comment | Report
NotSpaghetti Tue 11-Aug-26 09:29:45

I just happened upon this little article about "passing on" things that are part of our life story.
I thought I'd share it here.
My husband has just passed on some items of his mother's to family. She had already given many "life story pieces" away.
I saw this as decluttering as she was always quite "spare" and tidy - but now think maybe it was more than this.

Psychology says when people over 70 start giving things away — the china, the tools, the rings — they aren't decluttering; they've reached the stage where distributing proof of a life matters more than keeping it.

share.google/mbz2vuliK0acYu10n

Add comment | Report
Sago Tue 11-Aug-26 10:45:14

It’s an interesting article, despite not being in the least bit sentimental regarding objects I fully understand why someone would start to distribute their cherished belongings.

I had an unhappy childhood, I have nothing of my Fathers and one thing of my Mothers, it was a necklace her Father bought her, I kept it for my Grandfathers sake not my Mothers.

My husband who had a very different childhood is very sentimental, I was lucky enough to inherit some of my MIL’s jewellery and my husband has many of their belongings, FIL’s Cavalry boots from 1940 sit in their beautiful wooden trees in our hallway and I love them.

Thing is I don’t think our children feel the same, I don’t want to burden; them with “stuff”.

Add comment | Report
NotSpaghetti Tue 11-Aug-26 13:54:40

No. I can see that.
And I feel for those with very unhappy childhoods.
It is a real privilege, and life enhancing, to be well loved as a child.

I do hope that you found real love as an adult Sago.
flowers

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise