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Few years ago, I started getting a package almost everyday from my recently deceased Uncle's 82 year old wife. It was anything from small things like old photos

Few years ago, I started getting a package almost everyday from my recently deceased Uncle's 82 year old wife. It was anything from small things like old photos and key chains, to larger items like a traditional India "Thali" meal plate made of silver, an Ivory (from a real elephant :( and more. Turns out she was clearing out the late Uncle's garage and stuff all around the house, and returning gifts from my family back to us, and doing the same with others (friends and relatives who had sent my uncle stuff). Mind you, he wasn't a hoarder. It was just things people gave him over the (many) years and he kept them because of the emotional element (friend, family) attached to such things. Old and frail herself, I remember my Aunty spent a good few months -- almost a year -- shedding the baggage. The postage alone must've cost her a few 1000 $s. Not to mention packing, taking stuff to Good Will etc. It reminded me of the quote from Fight Club - "The things that you own end up owning you.". On that day, a young 16 year old me decided to never store or keep anything with me and become a minimalist, even if it was an "emotional" thing. Because I don't want me or my surviving family to have to go through something like this ever! I also don't buy any gifts for anyone, and instead give cash whenever I am obligated to give a present or gift (think weddings, birthdays etc)

PeterWhittaker 10y ago
I understand, I really do, but consider that in the sadness and duty of clearing things out, she held memories in her hands. Some would have been treasured. She would have smiled more than once. That she spent so long doing this also suggests it may have been cathartic for her. That said, I keep very, very little myself, but for different reasons (I simply don't need anywhere near the stuff I have and tend to clean ruthlessly every now and again). I will also suggest that gifts given years ago have far less value now.

PeterWhittaker 10y ago

I understand, I really do, but consider that in the sadness and duty of clearing things out, she held memories in her hands. Some would have been treasured. She would have smiled more than once. That she spent so long doing this also suggests it may have been cathartic for her. That said, I keep very, very little myself, but for different reasons (I simply don't need anywhere near the stuff I have and tend to clean ruthlessly every now and again). I will also suggest that gifts given years ago have far less value now.