After the family took what items we wanted, the rest was sold through an online auction. This week was pickup day for those who purchased items through the auction. It was also pickup day for me, since I asked for and was given his sofa, two club chairs, and an ottoman. While I do not know when I will recover these items and where I will use them, I wanted them. I remember when Uncle B and Aunt Evelyn purchased these thirty-three years ago, and they hold much sentimental value for me, more than anything else he had. I will enjoy having them with me, literally and figuratively. For now, they are housed in my storage shed, where they can stay until the time is right for their repurposing.

This week I had the gift of saying goodbye to my dearly departed Uncle Barry’s home and possessions. Uncle B passed away in June, and his belongings and home have now passed as well.

The items that were not taken, sold, or donated will be thrown away by the auction company. It was so hard for me to watch this, knowing that Uncle B loved his home and his stuff. Although he lived a simple life and his possessions were reflective of that, I felt his presence in his things. Seeing them carted out by strangers, in most cases for pennies on the dollar, was difficult.

I know that this is how it ends for all of us. As much as we like or even love our stuff, it is still only stuff. We do not take it with us, and those we leave behind will likely not want much of it. If we have time, it is best to part with most of it while we can, so our loved ones can take what they do want, and make decisions about the rest. Or it will go into an auction and go home with strangers for pennies, or be thrown away. But the memories are not thrown away, they remain with us.

As Christmas 2021 comes without Uncle B, our family will remember Christmases past with him, and will miss him terribly. He will be in our hearts forever.

Rest In Peace, Uncle Barry.