One last trip home

[Patrick NC]

Leaving in the morning to go to my childhood home one last time. Most of you know that my father passed last fall. We closed up and winterized the house and my mother went to live with my youngest brother in Buffalo NY. The decision has been made to have an auction to sell everything and then sell the house and land. Auction is going to be in July so I have to go clean the place up and meet with the auction company.  It will be a tough trip because it was the only place that my parents called home for almost 47 years. I'll keep you posted on how things go. 

[customsawyer]

They are tough trips. My mother passed a couple of years ago and one of her wishes was to have some of her ashes spread over her parents graves back in CO. I was honored to do it but that doesn't make it any easier. My garage is still full of her stuff. One day I will get the strength to go through it. Magic Man's awesome bride made me a coconut cream pie for the project a couple of years ago. Well they happen to be my favorite and I knew eating it would bring back memories of the ones my mother used to make for me. Well I knew I wasn't going to be able to eat it and keep my eyes dry. All I could do was express gratitude and tote it in the house for later. I know it made me look like a rude host but I couldn't muster the strength to enjoy it with out tears rolling down my face.
All I'm trying to say is that we are with you and know the road you have in front of you.

[Chuck White]

Patrick, you are taking on a necessary and wonderful task!

We all have, or will do such things in our lives, you'll have times that you'll cry, times that you'll smile, and times that you'll just stand there and look, it's all part of the task.

Just know that the Forestry Forum is here for you!

[barbender]

I haven't had to walk through what so many of you have already. I've watched all of my friends go through this stage, but my folks had me really young so I'm at the tail end of all that. I obviously don't envy you Patrick for the task you have, but I think there is also something healing in going through the stuff and belongings, even though it is really tough. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you as you close this chapter, friend. 

[Magicman]

Stay strong Patrick and know that you have your FF friends supporting you.

Thank You Jake and yes, I made sure that PatD read your reply. 

Sadly we have closed both of our Parent's homes plus a very dear Aunt, and as said, it ain't easy.  PatD and I have reached the point where the next "closing" will be ours. 

[Bruno of NH]

Patrick I have had to do the same thing as well but for my grandparents place.
It's tough .
I have my Dad's tool box , that he used at work as a brick/block Mason.
It's in my tool room. When no one's around I sometimes open it and it brings back good memories for me.
Hope all goes well 

[doc henderson]

bitter sweet!  end of a chapter.

[Ianab]

I guess it was fortunate that my folks sold up the family farm and moved to town early. So the current house in town has no special attachment for me as I never lived there. I have great memories of growing up on the old farm, and some regret that I didn't take it over. But those decisions are way in the past now. 

[Resonator]

You'll get through it, it's all part of life. Life is chapters in a book, one finishes, and then we get ready for next one to come. Take the time to enjoy and remember the good parts of the story along the way.

[thecfarm]

It's hard when life marches on.  :(

[SawyerTed]

Have been through it with my in-laws passing and partially along with Dad after mom passed in 2021.

It's isn't easy because siblings are grieving too.  Take your time, appreciate the experience and feelings-both yours and others.  Grief makes people say and do things out of character sometimes.  

Remember that grief is the pain of "unfinished love."  That's true for people, and can be true for a home place and its trappings.

May God be with you and your family.  

[moodnacreek]

I must of been in camp when the posting appeared . Leaving the old home place was the toughest, other than burying loved ones, thing I have ever faced and it has bothered me ever since. Patric; try to concentrate only on happy memories .

[NE Woodburner]

@Patrick NC - I went through this when Dad passed about 15 years ago. One thing I will caution is it can be a bit overwhelming if there is a large amount of "stuff". Dad kept a lot of things in his old barn and it was stuffed to the limit. He had a difficult upbringing and was poor, so when he finally accumulated a few things he couldn't bear to part with them even when they were worn out or out dated. So, we threw most things away. I wish we had taken more time because there are a couple of things I wish we had kept. I did keep a few things that have no real monetary value, but mean a lot to me...

Hopefully a lot of good memories will help you get through this difficult task.