Closure - Another rant on my burglary

[run it, ride it]

V, you've every right to be disappointed.

Hell, I had a mini-fridge stolen with my favourite ice wrap still inside. Haven't found one like it since. I still miss it! A $10 ice pack!

Along with the fridge, a painting of mine was stolen, and later found smashed to pieces. I'm no artist, but I worked on that painting for a week straight. It was a portrait of my horse. Thankfully all the pieces turned up, so I was able to re-mount it. But now when I look at it the original aura (to reference Walter Benjamin) is lost and tainted by the cracks through it that remind me of the hateful and careless action.

The monetary value of a thing is one thing, but we all have treasures that allow us to relive a memory in some tangible way.

Still, I was humbled by something my grandfather said last week. We were talking about what a rough year it's been for him--he lost his wife and shortly after had to move to a full-time care facility. He is selling his cottage.

He said, "the last time I closed the door to the cottage, I didn't regret it one bit. And you know why? Because I still have all those memories with me, and I will always carry those."

[withm]

My family's summer cottage burned to the ground on Sunday. 4 generations of family mementos are gone. There is nothing but ashes, a chimney, and about a million coil springs from all the mattresses & box springs just lying in wait to jump out and bite you. My family owned that house for 90 years. I've lived in 6 different houses in my lifetime, but I went back there every summer. That is the house that was always home to me. Now it's nothing.

At least I still have the memories of all the good times up there. When I lose those, I won't be remembering much of anything so I guess it won't matter by then.

[emily_in_nc]

withm, that is so sad. I am so sorry for your loss. It will take a long time to get over losing something with so many memories as a family summer home. Best wishes to you and your family, and my thoughts are with you. I simply can't imagine....

Emily

[Tuckervill]

I'm sorry about your house! My house is 110 years old and I keep saying blessings over her to live another 50...til I get too old to take care of myself. Today she was hit by a tree, but it was a minor scrape. Your post reminds me of her mortality.

Karen