Our personal possessions tell a beautiful story of ourselves and those of our family members whom we have shared our lives and legacies with. Their presence conquers explicit emotions and memories that are truly priceless and one’s that should be cherished from generation to generation.
For those who are tasked with sorting through a loved one’s personal belongings, there is no set time to begin the process. Knowing the task will produce an array of emotions both endearing and daunting, the right time is when you are ready. I believe there is truly nothing more special following a loss than feeling the continued connection to our loved one through the items they have touched, worn, purchased, and embraced as well as the memories created through the engagement of these items.
When my husband passed away, I found comforting leaving his belongings exactly in the same place and manner of the last time he touched them. I found peace in the placement and positioning of these now cherished items and needed to feel his presence even though he was no longer physically with me. As the weeks turned to months since his passing, I found comfort in a collection of specific items that brought warmth to me. Those items became the keepsakes that provided me daily comfort as I stumbled through my new relationship with my husband.
The timeline for sorting, thinning and repurposing our loved one’s belongings vary based on our own personal desires, family dynamics and circumstances outside our own control. For most, the timing coincides with a trigger, possibly the need to locate a misplaced item, a pending sale of a home, the repurposing of a room or the yearning to provide a legacy item to family member or friend. Regardless of the reason for tackling the challenge, once the process begins there are a variety of approaches to use in supporting you as an induvial or the shared responsibility with family members.
Define your individual expectations
Set reasonable boundaries for yourself and family members
Build a team to help with boxing, selling, distributing and researching items
Identify friends or family member you would like to share special items with
Determine appropriate recipients of donations
As you work from room to room or drawer to drawer, establishing the connection to your loved one as you touch each item. Search for your own peace of the resting place for the item, keeping those items that provide warmth and are a special addition of your loved one’s story. If you find yourself hesitating on a particular item, I suggest you save the item as the feeling of regret can hamper your success of finishing. The item can be revisited later.
The are no rules associated with sorting through belongings, in fact, the process is very personal and only you can decide what is right for you. As you sort through the possessions finding your own peace, repurposing the items into future use for yourself or others creating a lasting memorial and connection to your loved one.
Rachel Kodanaz is a heart-minded professional helping her audiences to Embrace Life’s Challenges. Rachel has been speaking passionately to national audiences of all sizes for over 20 years, addressing all aspects of change, growth, and acceptance that comes with life’s transitions. Her style inspires, informs and persuades audiences to be self-aware, take action, and continue to thrive.
Rachel has published numerous articles and has appeared on Good Morning America. Her published books Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time, best-selling Living with Loss One Day at a Time, and Grief in the Workplace have received international acclaim.
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