Throwing stuff away

I have to admit, I am a sentimental person who has trouble throwing away old stuff. Even though I know it would never be used again, just holding something from the past would bring back the memories. I wish I could scan them into a PC for digital archival for future cyber-reminiscence. But proponents of simplicity often tell us to get rid of junk, clutter and move on with the path ahead. Sometimes it is tough and you need someone else to get rid (or hopefully recycle) your old belongings for you, without your knowledge.

The children (especially Shannon) are rather sentimental. Or maybe they are just hoarders wanting their old toys, books, pieces of paper. I feel for them, especially now we are moving and old things just need to be tossed. Sometimes we have to send things to the church while the kids are in school so they will not see – just as with adults, when you don’t see it, you don’t feel it.

When Shannon does see something she treasures being sent away, or being abused by her brother or sister for that matter, you can see the tears of sadness welling up in her eyes with the expression, “that is my precious thing”. I understand her pain and want to step in – but I think the kids have to learn to let go of stuff so they do not become too attached to both material things and the past and are able to control their emotions look forward to a more exciting future.