So they’re coming this afternoon …

I’ve boxed up all of the things for them to take away. Lots of photos that I know they want and a lot of other things I hope they will want.

I read a few more of those letters Jim wrote to Estelle from Vietnam and they are just so very precious. Jim was not known as a sentimental or soft-hearted kind of guy – and yet he showed his heart in those letters. His sons really should read them – at least a few of them – but I’m doubtful they will. However, the daughter-in-law is also coming so perhaps she will recognize their value and take them. Regardless of their response, those letters will not be thrown away.

I sent them photos of some of the other things that I thought might have meaning to them and was initially told they didn’t want any of it, but they later asked me to just keep everything for them to see when they come here to pick up the Harley.

And then there are all of the many awards and plaques Jim received during his 47 years of service with the Air Force (20 years active duty; 27 years civil service). I’m expecting they will say they don’t want them, don’t have room for them. What do you do with that kind of memorabilia? I cannot just throw them all away. So those will be another thing that will find a home here for them to have to deal with when I leave.

The cargo trailer is empty … mostly.  There are some boxes of unknown ‘stuff’ that were too heavy for me to move completely out, so I slid them down the ramp for them to look over. Guessing most of it will head to the dump for recycling so I’ll ask them to move them along the wall so I can call someone to make that ‘dump run’.

They originally said they only wanted to pick up the photos, Harley and cargo trailer but mentioned yesterday that they’re bringing a UHaul. I didn’t question that, but I guess I need to be prepared. They can have any of the furniture or things that were here when I moved in 7 years ago. I’m ok with that. Well, except for Sheila. I would fight to the death to keep her here with me.

I do feel like I’m on the edge of a cliff.  All of the unknowns. The emotions. What is to come? Will this finally just release me from it all? None of his family have been around during these past nearly 8 months, although I did receive a surprise ‘Happy Mothers Day’ text yesterday from his sister and one of his sister-in-laws. Will this ‘visit’ serve as the final ending? Will I then be able to fully grieve my loss of Jim? I didn’t have to do any of this when Vern passed. It took me years to move his things out of the closets and dresser drawers. There was no need for me to gather memorabilia for someone else to take away.

I’m writing this on Monday and had planned to delay posting it on Tuesday until after they had come and gone so I could update with the outcome – but their arrival time has bounced around a few times. Just received a text saying they’re enjoying themselves in downtown Las Vegas this evening and won’t be coming out here until Tuesday afternoon. Earlier would have been better for me but I should still have time to get ready to head into Vegas in time for the 6:30 puck drop.  What better place to take my mind off all of this than at a Playoff hockey game?