Emptiness...

Two of Lionel's young nephews just came and got a lot of his stuff. A lot of his clothes, personal effects, books and papers. They will have to make another trip eventually because, after 25 years there was so much stuff...especially since Lionel was as much of a packrat as I am.

But his closet looks almost empty now. The corner of the livingroom where he had things stacked up is nearly bare. His prized boots, that he polished so lovingly. His basketball. Gone, along with a lot of junk he picked up wandering around that had no value to anyone but him.

Which means, of course, that it has sentimental value to me, because these were random little odds and ends, little trinkets that caught his eye and meant enough to him to want to bring them home. All gone.

Some of the stuff I know will just be thrown into the trash...but I couldn't bear to do it. I was trying to be strong because I know his older nephew hates a whole lot of emotional display, but once I started touching his clothes and dusty old shoes, his hats and belts and shirts, I couldn't help it...and ended up crying most of the time anyway.

Hopefully, I will do better next time they come.