Just read this interesting article in today’s Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5308427/Why-mothers-duty-clutter-home.html
I wondered what others thought? It might explain why all those treasured photos get thrown away before someone else goes looking for them.
Personally I have emptied my grandparents and parents houses following their deaths. It is not a plea sent task but at least we could decide as a family what to keep and what to throw away.
Regards panda
Reading those stories in the newspaper link made me feel so sad for those disconnected families, it seems they really had no understand of their parents and ancestors.
Yes I agree with the basic thrust of the story about getting rid of the amassed detritus of everyday life but the accounts seem to show a disconnect between the parents and children and a lack of understanding why an object was kept in the family.
Yes get rid of the rubbish of everyday life but surely family life should mean involving your children with your life. Sharing why something brings memories and sharing those memories (good or bad).
For example I have a riding crop with a lash attached and a whip both owned by my mother when she was younger and both have deep meaning for me.
The crop has a horn handle and lash allowing the rider to open gates while on horseback, but I spent many hours using it as a bull-whip and making it crack etc.
My memory of the whip was different but even more important to me.
The whip is a light, thin leather whip with a spring steel core; it was gently used when out riding to encourage the horse.
However on one occasion it was used on me.
I and my siblings were brought up by my mother after my dad left us when I was about 5 and as the I grew up like all adolescent boys I explored the boundaries of behaviour. On one occasion I really overstepped the mark and was chastised by being hit three times on the back of my legs with that whip. I knew I deserved it and never repeated the behaviour, but I also realised that my mum used that whip not to hurt me or in anger but because she loved me.
This may sound strange to some but is true all the same; if she had not used such drastic action my life could, and possibly would have taken a very different route.
So, yes get rid of the rubbish but talk to your children (and their spouses) about your memories and the story behind the various objects handed down and what they actually mean to the family history.
The rubbish may not really be rubbish.
Cheers
Guy