Sunday, January 25, 2009

Unpacking

I wish I had a digital camera, because unpacking is like opening Christmas presents. Many of my boxes I haven't opened since before my liver transplant, which was over three years ago. So I had forgotten how many beautiful tsotchkes and things I own. Just a few of the things I have unpacked today include:

  • A beautiful blue jeweled vintage purse, which I will hang in my bedroom and I had completely forgotten that I had.
  • A beautiful blue and creme chenille drape that will grace my bedroom window.
  • Yards and yards of vintage material, too beautiful to describe and ripe for craft projects I hope to start once I settle in and slow down.
  • Three boxes of shoes that I completely forgot I still owned, and which Romy will, no doubt, immediately claim as her new chew toys when I forget to latch the now latching bedroom door.
I give you this list to remind myself of a few things. First, that I spent myself into deep financial doo $20 at a time, in many respects. Today I think twice about spending money on anything that isn't necessary.

I also remember how clearly I saw my possessions as I sat in my recliner, dying, waiting for an improbable transplant that I completely had turned over to my God. As I viewed my beautiful paintings and Hull pottery and Frankoma dishes, I realized that you truly can't take it with you. They were just things and in the end, unimportant. Cliches are cliches because they are true<.><.>

Today I try to focus on appreciating what I do have, including the miracle of my life and recovery and transplant. I am listening to Paul Simon and I am deeply grateful.

9 comments:

Judith said...

What fun! Free gifts!

I felt like that too when we moved this last time. I found some items my husband and I bought on our honeymoon in Turkey that had been packed away and forgotten.

Unknown said...

You are so right about the 'THINGS' that own us. When I moved across country I only had a 6 by 6 truck to do it in and I did it...today I have more because there are more in my life, but I so understand that cliche and thank you for sharing this...it also sounds like you found some wonderful treasures.

Rae said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog and for the reminder that very few "things" are truly important. I think one of the gifts of this downturn in the economy is that more and more Americans are realizing just that. What matters is community and the little things of life ... little things like listening to Paul Simon.

Shadow said...

presents... to you, from you. that must be a pleasure...

Akannie said...

Oh girl...your post hit home. I have a sign on my wall that says "One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries." lol I still have boxes of things that I haven't opened from my move 4 years ago....hmmm...might be a good winter chore.

Glad your settling in....I love Paul Simon...

Syd said...

I'm glad that you got your transplant. It's good to be grateful for the important things in life. And those are not the trappings but the essentials.

Meg Moran said...

yes yes yes, we are all LIVING in GRACEland

msb said...

Boy howdy! can't take it with ya. So I better read all those dang books I've been hauling around with me for many moves I can't count. But we really have to stop moving at the same time. I'm tired. :+)

gino gagnon said...

As A addict, It is very important to appreciate all the little things in life. Great work on your website

Don`t Give up!!