Day 41: Petersham, MA

Frank Strang and Mabel (Reints) Strang, circa 1905

Dylan drove up from Long Island, and Rich is here from Paxton. They are diligently working to get the house cleaned out so the new owners can move in. As of this moment, probably half of the “stuff” of the house is gone, but there’s still a lot left. Slowly getting rid of the accumulation of many years: furniture, books, knick knacks, dishes, pots & pans, linens, paintings and artwork, computer stuff, toys, clothing…

We hold memories in our belongings, and so it’s sometimes difficult to part with items we have outgrown or are no longer useful, simply because of the memories behind them. This is especially poignant as I choose some items from this home I never lived in — I have taken a few of Susan’s cookbooks, a pottery vase, some candlesticks, and some linens. Also the photograph of my paternal great-grandparents John Francis “Frank” and Mabel Strang (thanks, Dallas!) and a very old baby portrait of Edith Hill, my grandmother Margaret Hoffman’s sister. Most of the rest of the household items will be divided among Dylan and Patrick, as this is their inheritance, and I am mindful of not taking too much. (Dad is moving in with Rich, and he claims he won’t take more than a few clothes and his toothbrush.)

Later this afternoon, Dylan decided dad was too weak and took dad to the hospital. He has an appointment tomorrow (Thursday) but she saw something in his demeanor she didn’t like, and off they went. He was admitted at some point this evening — tomorrow I’ll go and see him and get an update.

Sleep well out there.