My Junk, My Stuff

 It may be "junk" to someone, but to me, it's my junk and it has meaning and purpose. Its meaning is historical to my life only. I don't expect it to matter much to anyone else, but each piece reminds me of wonderful times, events and occasions. It doesn't matter what other people think of my things. It matters to me because this is my home, not theirs. The purpose of keeping my "junk" in my home is also my business because that is exactly what it is: My Business. In your home, you like your snazzy modern couch with no arms and no back support and is made of cardboard under the white fabric that you worry about too much. To me, that's "junk". If I sound defensive, it has nothing to do with my own family who are much more sensible. From adquaintances and friends and in the media I hear constantly, about "hoarding" which isn't such, but only  elders wanting to retain memories as long as possible. "Hoarding" is keeping garbage. It isn't the family duty to "get rid of all this junk" belonging to elders. My grandmother displayed a plaque in her entrance hallway. "This is my place, and in it, I'll do as I darn well please!". Yay, gramma! Having cleaned out my own mother's home when she passed on, I get it. As much work as it was, I learned who my mother really was. We became adult friends even though she had passed on. I came across so much that told me she was a true individual: clever, ambitious, adventurous and a learner. We all have things that mean something special to us alone, and it doesn't matter if it's worth money. Elders spent on such beauties as fine glass and china, gold and silver and gems. They believed in quality of craftsmanship and materials that were rare and in art that cost lots. Times change and that's fine, but younger folks must know that their tastes are theirs alone and elders feel the same, just as appropriately. Harping at them is mean and unnecessary. They don't need to get rid of anything. In the "grand plan" I think getting rid of inheritors' kin possessions is part of an education in one's own life history. Fortunately, there are companies, that for a cost will pack up and itemize all items before sending them off for sale or discard. They take a cut on the profits if any, but make everyone's life a little easier. For now, my stuff is  my company in a life alone with memories. I love both: my life and my adored junk.