FMQ Friday – Packing, Packing, Packing
It’s Friday and time to link up! Unfortunately I’ve got to admit to not free motion quilting at all this week because I’ve been busy working with Josh, James, and Dad’s girlfriend Emily to help Dad pack his house and get ready to move.
This has been a continual process for more than 3 years after my mom left. The house was a wreck to start with (three grown kids, 2 grandkids, and more than 30 years of accumulation will do that), but it was doubled when my grandmother moved to Texas in 2011, her house (and Dad’s workshop) sold, and all his tools had to find new place to live.
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| Josh unscrewing the pot rack hanger while Emily cleans up |
So this weekend was the push, shove, and kick to box up EVERYTHING. It’s hard work. It’s hard physically in the heat and humidity of NC, particularly this year when it the weather has decided to get go through a seasonal shift and rain like there’s no tomorrow at least once every single day of the week.
It’s also hard emotionally. This was the house I grew up in and is filled with echoes and memories. Some are good, but most I’d like to put out of my mind forever.
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| James stayed entertained with toys and a big box. Gotta love being 6! |
But for me, the stuff holds memories too. Going through cabinets and boxing up trinkets, I realized just how much stuff my dad has held onto for 30+++ years. I found a blue vase that held cut flowers every summer. I found pottery dishes we’d used only for special occasions for more than 15 years.
It might sound angry and melodramatic, but there is a big piece of me that would love to smash these items on the brickwork outside. To see these plates and vases and stupid trinkets blown to dust would be an enormous relief.
Why? Because only then would I be guaranteed to never see them again and have to feel the old emotions from the baggage they represent.
Anyway, by the end of 2 days of hard work, I did see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’d boxed up the house and moved furniture, planned the staging of the house, and eaten two great meals together. There’s still a lot left to be done, but I feel like we’ve tackled the hardest part this weekend.
Now I’m off to sit in the sun and piece some itsy bitsy hexies!
Leah, I am so sorry you are in this situation with your family. My dad is a "get rid of not needed stuff", but my mom has kept everything. They are 83, and I know around the corner I will be facing this same scene. Maybe you should find something inexpensive and go to a empty parking lot and throw it. It might be you feel better. Don't do it around your son, though–ask me how I know. Hexies are so soothing to work on. With every one you make, it builds to a wonderful piece. Working with your hands gives you time to think things thru about life, and sometimes answers come to you while the brain is engaged in a repeated activity. You don't have to "own" your Dad's problems. Take care of yourself!!! Love your son with your whole heart. They grow into wonderful men. If you take care of his heart right now, he will share it with you later!!! Love & Hugs from a friend Judy
Dear Leah, I hope you can find piece one day. It must be hard for you to bring back those bad memories. But think of all the positive things in your life now and the beautiful family which is around you.
Take care!
Malini
Know exactly how you feel. Did the same about 10 years ago, when we helped my parents-in-law move to their new home. We live in theirs now, making it our own.
But two weeks ago, I was going through all those familiar things again… My Mom-in-law died and now we'll have to sort things out definitly… Holding vases and trinkits she loved… should we keep them or give them away…
Enjoy the years with your dad, they are gone before you know it….