I suppose it’s the cycle of life.
Three years ago my sweet elderly neighbor left the house she’d lived in for over forty years to move into a local assisted living center.
Her house, empty and lifeless since.
Four months ago, her son pulled in the driveway and gently helped his mother out of the car. She slowly made her way in the house she’d not seen for years. They lingered awhile before leaving. I knew what had just happened.
My neighbor was doing a final walk-through of her house. Saying goodbye to a place that had housed a multitude of memories over the years. As she passed her tiny porch, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was recalling the many visits she’d enjoyed with her church friends. They would rock and chat for hours. (I couldn’t help but wonder how many times their sentences ended with “bless her heart.”)
Her house, empty and lifeless since.
Recently, an older couple the family had hired pulled in and quickly began unloading card tables for an estate sale. Last Friday, they knocked on my door and invited me over for a walk-through before the big sale on Saturday.
It was a bit strange going over for a sale instead of a visit but the couple kept reminding me that my neighbor was hoping for success as the proceeds would benefit her greatly.
Thankfully for Brian and our house, I’ve become very picky as to what I purchase at estate sales. I walked past a vintage chenille blanket for $15.00 (okay, I glanced over), along with two rooms filled with vintage glassware — but a few things did catch my eye. My favorite find? A Parker fountain pen still in the box for $5.00. Yes! It has a straight nib, Tina Parker. π
As I walked through the little home crowded with goods I recalled something Charles Stanley said years ago. Basically, if we’re still alive to witness the Rapture, those left behind will be rummaging through believer’s houses since they’ll be vacant. His question: What will they find?
βDo not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where
thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also. Math. 6: 19, 21
I hear you, Cathy. We're saving some stuff for the kids, but other than that we're tossing stuff left and right. To quote Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time for that." It's just more junk to sift through after we're gone.
Love the quote, Susan! Thanks for sharing. π
I know it must have been bittersweet for you to walk through without her there. Love the quote from Charles Stanley .
Yes, it was, Carol. Charles Stanley's quote obviously impacted me too. I rarely remember much from almost 20 years ago!
Thank you for stopping by. π
The older I get, the more I envision this very thing with our parents' houses and even with our own house. We don't want our kids to be left with a lot of junk to go through.
Putting priorities where they should really go will help us go through and throw out.
Cathy,
That's a powerful punch – your ending caught me off guard – but it made your point stick – well done sister.
God bless you dear!
Love, Hester π
So true, Vonda. I've thought of the same thing with our home. My mom and her sisters went through this with my grandmother. It was a long, tiring experience.
Thanks for stopping by!!
The Holy Spirit "punched" me first – catching me off guard too. I'd not planned to end it this way.
God is good. π
Sorting Brooke's things was so hard. When I drove away from her house the last time I tried to remember all the good memories the house held.
Love you.
Oh Dee, I cannot imagine. Thank you so much for sharing this special memory.
Love you too…much. π
Powerful thought. Thanks for capturing the moment and passing it on.
Thank you, Marcia, for stopping by and sharing.
Hope you have a nice (and restful?) weekend. π
I like your perspective on this story as you've tied it into your life and ours,..I recently went through a similiar experience with a dear friend who had to move from her lovely home to Asst Living. I was able to chose several 'things' in her home that were something that hers, all hers, and will always be a gentle reminder of her gentle sweet spirit,..difficult situation.
Thank you for sharing, Sheri. π
There's nothing easy about seeing loved ones leave their homes. Yes, homes are temporal but our "nesting" instincts seem to make it more difficult. I know you'll treasure your gifts for years to come.