I feel your pain

In response to the story about uncluttering relatives' homes, Bonita Gilbertson, county recycling chief, offered these observations:

Hi Stan and Kathleen,

In my job we have people who are in the same situation that you have been in almost WEEKLY! The stuff is too good to throw but no one wants it.
When Mom died she had a blue wingback chair in her room. No takers so far. My in-laws lived in the same house where my father-in-law had moved when he was two. NOTHING was thrown. They even saved the material from his pants when they were hemmed (shortened).
My Dad lives in a one-bedroom assisted living apartment and he has a 3 foot tall tool chest in a closet. I swear he could plumb a house or build an apartment building with his tools. He refuses to give them up and to top it off, he loves to shop so adds to the inventory weekly!!! I dread the day something happens. I have four siblings but for some reason, I seem to be an only child when it comes to dealing with my parents. Part of it is Dad's fault, of course, as he doesn't want the rest of them "getting their noses in his business." The other part is "Bonita is in town, she will handle it."
Well, good for you two for taking care of the house and goods. At least it wasn't an old farm where there were rusted, leaking, 55-gallon drums filled with unidentified liquids that the relatives have to deal with. That happens all of the time here in farm country. Hang in there. A lot of us are or will be doing the same thing, as our parents pass into the next stages of their lives.

Oh, by the way, I saw your Mom at Shalom Church on Sunday. I was asked to give a presentation to the adult forum and she was in attendance. I spoke to her briefly. She looks great!

Later...Bonita

P.S. Thanks for letting me unload :-(