My Mom passed away about a month ago and now the task of combing through a lifetime of memories waits around every corner of my childhood home.
After Dad’s passing several years ago I’d catch my Mom stopping in the places he would occupy just to breathe in his scent, talk to him, and be near him through the things he loved.
A mix of heartache and nostalgia, longing for the days he’d surprise her with a new vase full of flowers, a trinket she’d display proudly on a shelf, or a note he’d penned just for her.
Every piece collected and cared for with sentimental value that far outstripped each object’s worldly worth.
To most, including my brother, nothing more than junk; relics from a bygone era that with the exception of a few treasures will end up on the shelves of secondhand stores or in landfill.
It’s less simple for me, I see Mom and Dad and my youth in these objects and I can’t help but imagine what my children will think ‘someday’ as they sift through the remains of my life.
Written for GirlieOnTheEdge’s Six Sentence Stories challenge.
Word Prompt: Junk
Photo credit: Siora Photography via Unsplash.
Copyright 2021 Greg Glazebrook, All Rights Reserved.
Greg's Blog 
Memory of a life time from all the sentimental items. Each piece carries a history and story.
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*Sigh* yes, it’s all about the memories.
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It’s also a strange feeling to have no parents, whatever age we lose them. Thanks for the post.
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sentiment often trumps material value good six
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Those objects give the next generation a chance to look at their parents in ways they had not previously. If they chose and take the time to do so.
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I’m sorry for your loss, Greg.
Your story is beautifully written. Death is one of those experiences that sharpens the lens we view life. Seems once orphaned, no matter our age, we can’t help wonder what will happen to all those things that make up our physical lives, our treasures.
Welcome to Six Sentence Stories.
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Stuff puts us in a tough place. It’s true, the actual worth is in the intangible aspects of the objects.
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The prompt seems to have brought out a lot of memories related to parents.
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Yes it did.
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Those less sentimental people easily part with these things, but many of us spend a good bit of time reminiscing over each object.
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