my good deed today

[janeyo]

So I feel a bit sad today as I have been helping my great aunt (90) all morning to bag up all of my uncle's clothes. He has been gone for 4 years and she has only just felt able to part with his things. She has kept his hat that he was never wthout and all the rest will go to charity.
It just made me a bit sad to see all the stuff stuffed in binbags. They were together for over 50 years.

And to cap it all I upset my aunt by tripping over in her yard and taking all the skin off my hand and knees! I tried to tell her I am ok (ok so it does sting like mad lol) but she now feels bad cos I hurt mysef helping her!

She did give me a bottle of wine too so I will have a glass tonight and toast my dear old uncle, much missed.

X

[Chicky Girl]

So I feel a bit sad today as I have been helping my great aunt (90) all morning to bag up all of my uncle's clothes. He has been gone for 4 years and she has only just felt able to part with his things. She has kept his hat that he was never wthout and all the rest will go to charity.
It just made me a bit sad to see all the stuff stuffed in binbags. They were together for over 50 years.

And to cap it all I upset my aunt by tripping over in her yard and taking all the skin off my hand and knees! I tried to tell her I am ok (ok so it does sting like mad lol) but she now feels bad cos I hurt mysef helping her!

She did give me a bottle of wine too so I will have a glass tonight and toast my dear old uncle, much missed.

X

Awww, hugs xx

[ginger ninger]

What a lovely and thoughtful thing to help your Great Aunt, these things aren't easy at the best of times, I'm sure you being with her made it easier and a little less daunting.

And good luck with the new job...Stunt Women..sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Bigmallly]

Nice touch Jane, it must have been so hard for her after all those years.

[SueA]

That is sad Janey but I bet it brought back some happy memories too, your Great Aunt probably appreciated you being there with her so she could reminisce.

[janeyo]

Think she will be glad to finally get to use his wardobe space lol

[lizzylemon]

It was a lovely thing to do - not easy for either of you I'm sure. I suspect his wardrobe space will be there a bit longer though . Big hugs to you.

I still have 3 items of my Grans: a Camel coat - long thing in tan with a great big fluffy sheep(?)wool collar, a gross 80's electric blue / black bat winged jumper and an original Tan coloured Mac. the 3 things sum her up for me. The Camel coat still smells of her so sometimes opening the wardrobe can be a wonderful or very sad experience for me.

I think you should count your self lucky that your Aunt didn't whip out the 40 year old Germaline in tin or neat TCP to put on your grazes (A la my GrandMas stylee). LOL

[binley100]

How lovely of you to help your Great-Aunt.It's a really strange feeling helping someone to sort out lost ones belongings. I helped my Dad sort out my Mum's clothes etc. and the only way I could manage was to try and pretend they belonged to someone else. Very difficult . Big hugs.

[FionaH]

Well done Jane, its always difficult to clear things out even after a few years. Couple of months back I helped my friend clear out her wardrobes, she has terminal cancer. Heart rending thing to do but necessary.

[jackie j]

Hugs to you and your great aunt.
We as sisters cleared out mums stuff when she moved into a home, she chose what she wanted to take with her and what she wanted us to have, she didnt have anything of value just sentimental value. Anything else went to charity or was binned. It made it so much easier when she died as most of her stuff had gone already, we each had things, and a few ornaments that we didnt want but didnt want to get rid of are now in my loft.
When my stepfather died my mum wouldnt even go through his pockets, she said she had never done it when he was alive and wouldnt do it then, I had to do it and found loads of small change, we both giggled at that.

[Flummery]

It's a hard thing to do but you just have to bite the bullet don't you. It's strange which of people's possessions bring them back most. I smiled at the hat. My grandad always had a special hat for driving!

[quark1]

Janeyo - it may well be bitter-sweet - but at least your grand old aunt had someone as kind as you to help her out with this tricky task - there is clearly a bond you both share - how lovely.

And one thing for sure is that any memories handed down word of mouth as you packed up your late uncle's belonging are now in your care to pass down to the generations below. Precious beyond 'worldly' value.

Raise that glass and toast your uncle and remember the good times and days you may have shared over the years.

[janeyo]

He was a lovely man, taught me to ride a bike and we used to go on bike rides and steal corn on the cob from the fields!
He used to visit us every sunday and take us to the fireworks every year.
I am very fond of my G Aunt, they never could have any children so she spoils her nieces and great nieces etc, and you cannot get away without she gives you something or pennies for the children. But she likes to do it and you can't stop her!
I help her out by decorating when I can and doing a bit of her garden, just wish I could help her out more.
My aunt has a dirty laugh and a history of dancing on tables when she was younger - I want to be just like her! She is partial to apricot brandy!

[Headfry]

Love and hugs janeyo to you and your lovely Aunt.
HF
xx

[dexterdoglancashire]

Janey, what a lovely thing to share with us. Your post made me think, especially as Ive just been to two funerals (not relatives, work mates from the past and present), and your post really made me appreciate my OH, and can only try and think how your great aunt must be feeling. She is very lucky to have you to help her.