Early in the morning on June 6 our phone rang. It was my auntie in Canada, calling to tell us my Uncle Bob had died during the night. He'd had a heart attack, but we thought he was recovering... not so, as we now realize.
I know this topic might seem weird for a blog that I intend to share my thoughts of clearing out and organizing a home and life, but it isn't really. I'll explain.
I went to Canada to our old family farm (Mom grew up there) for Uncle Bob's services. A couple of fun things - - as we arrived, my sister and I (we had flights that came in near times with each other so shared a rental car), we walked into the kitchen and I just instinctively said "we're home." Yes, the farm is home, it is the roots of much of our family life for us. The farm house is old, and while it stores so much of our family's past it is not cluttered but instead is kept very neatly by my aunt. There is everything needed, but not all the extras. !!!!!
The farm itself is full of equipment, some newer and some antique and rusting. Everything on the farm seems to say "Uncle Bob" to me, and has every time I've been there, as a small child and even in recent years. But, this is where the realization came. As they were placing the small box with Uncle Bob's cremated remains in the grave, I thought of how we were all standing around looking at a box when Uncle Bob himself was already dancing in heaven (or maybe arguing with mom, a favorite pasttime in life for both of them). Then I looked at all my relatives there too... all of us with our own fondness and love for Uncle Bob, and the memories and lessons he has taught us. That truly is Uncle Bob now.
It was interesting - - as we went back to the farm, which we're not sure Auntie Margaret will continue residing on or not - - I didn't think "Uncle Bob" as much when I looked at everything. They were just things - - the true Uncle Bob is what he's left in a legacy of love for all of us. Auntie Margaret may very well move from the farm, even sell it - - and that is OK. I'd prefer to know that she is living where she is comfortable than staying there to preserve our memories because of the "things" (house, barn, contents, farm equipment, etc...).
And that all brings me to this post - - none of this stuff that clutters our lives and homes will be going with us, and when we're gone it could even be a burden for those left to manage it. Thus, it is best just not to have it, at least in excess. :-) Thus, I continue my quest to unclutter...
