Whatever happened to……?
There was a time when, reflecting on my past, I started to wonder “Whatever happened to my ……?”
My first train set*? I have no idea. When Frances was born, the railway disappeared seemingly to make room for her crib in our (Valerie and I) bedroom in the caravan. I never saw it again.
My first bike**? I have no idea but, given that I got a new one for passing the 11+ examination, and would have grown out of it, I have to assume that Dad disposed of it somehow.
My 11+ bike***? I have no idea but, given that I built my own bike from parts for touring and I was probably still growing, I have to assume that Dad disposed of it somehow.
My touring bike****? I have no idea, but talking to Valerie about it, it would appear that Dad sold it while I was in Cardiff. This was based on the rationale that heading for a career at sea, I would not need it!
My text books, uniforms and 2nd Class Honors Certificate from Cardiff*****? I have no idea, but must assume that the “he won’t need this stuff now” logic dictated disposal in some manner.
Note that there is a common theme of decisions being made regarding my things, but without consulting me.
Whereas part of me resented that kind of decision making, I also had to recognize the deeply entrenched patterns of minimalist living as a result of many years in the caravan. There simply was no place to store items that were not serving a purpose, and those habits did not change until my parents had many years of living in a house.
*See “Dear Diary – Page 4” – May 20, 2015
**See “Dear Diary – Page 21” – July 11, 2015
***See “Dear Diary – Page 29” – July 28, 2015
****See “Dear Diary – Page 49” – September 16, 2015
*****See “Dear Diary – Page 60” – October 14, 2015
A New Direction Perhaps? 
Sorry about you not having a say with the things that belonged to you, that would be hard. I can see how several of those things would have held sentimental value and I am also intrigued that you put together a bicycle yourself! How long did that take you? I can just imagine me trying to build a bike, yeah, it may not be very safe to ride! 🙂
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That is a story in itself. I wanted to build a “real” touring bike because my bike rides were getting longer, and being on limited budget … I bought the bits as I could afford them. Once our local bike shop realized what I was doing, they helped me out in many ways with guidance, pricing etc. It probably took around a year to complete. 🙂
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That is great that your local bike shop helped you out. Your story also shows the determination you had to build a bike no matter how long it took. Patience, eh! 🙂
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Patience was a necessity if I wanted to get my touring bike! 🙂
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No wonder you are so skilled at patience now. 🙂
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We currently have two adults and a toddler in an apartment that’s only about 500 sq ft- we’re trying to get better that throwing things out, but it’s an effort!
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I guess selective clearing out is the logical approach so you don’t regret over-zealous house cleaning later! Of course another 300+ sq.ft. would be useful to you guys!
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Right now, our daughter still cares more about the boxes the toys come in than the toys themselves, so now is the time to keep things light! … someday we will move out of this apartment, but it’s rent stabilized, so it won’t be for awhile!
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Memories of Christmas many years ago when my two would rather play with the boxes and wrapping paper than the gifts! 🙂
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We have the opposite problem at my parents’ house – everything we have ever had is still in there (or the garage or the storage place)!
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Then I guess when they pass on, you are going to be totally out of control with excitement at the thought of going through everything ……… or totally overwhelmed by the whole idea! Better get a good supply of coffee and Timbits in (or beer, or scotch)! 🙂
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Overwhelmed, definitely! And we’ll definitely need some hard liquor for the job.
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🙂
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I can’t understand these chuckerouters. My kids are going to be feeling like they’re weighed down with a house on their backs with all my sentimentalia. I’ve keep most of their artwork, clothes, toys, books. They get put in crates in our roof and I must admit we’re expecting the lot to come crashing through the ceiling at any time. xx Rowena
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Well Rowena, I think that may classify you as a hoarder! My general “rule of thumb” is – If it has not served a functional purpose in two years, and has no tangible sentimental value …… then donate it; recycle it; sell it, or otherwise get rid of it!
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People have considered putting me in that category before and I’m officially classified as a “collector” but I might not have mentioned the crates in the roof! I also have health issues which make it difficult to keep on top of things too. I haven’t mentioned books yet in this discussion either…
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Oh dear! 🙂
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Every time we moved I said how healthy and liberating that was because the decision to simply throw things away was made so much easier. I am not someone who likes to keep stuff. I am rather the oposite…
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I agree entirely when it comes to me sorting out my own things. Where I have problems is in understanding what right people have to throw out another person’s belongings.
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That is true, Colin! That is not right at all! I forgot to mention about that matter!
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This made me laugh. I am a disposer of all things not nailed down. My mother is as well. Whenever my poor father can’t find an item, he starts with the garbage 🙂
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🙂
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So so true! My cub uniform. Old comics and annuals, books. All gone. Passed train set mostly to my son. There is a nice phrase which helps ..
What remains of us is Love.
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What a nice perspective 🙂
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