Her Last Day in Her Home

Today was the last day for one of my clients to be at her home.  The house sold quickly. She only had her home on the market a few months.   The house was not elaborate, but had a lot of possibilities, plus there was a lot of acerage with it.  Heck, if I had the means I would have bought it myself.

Deciding to sell her home and move into a nursing home wasn't an easy decision for her to make.  Her declining health became an issue and despite her efforts to remain at home independantly, she realized that it was time. 

Slowly her home became less filled with objects that she had collected over the years. She sorted through boxes of memories that had been stored in boxes.  Although many of the items had grown dusty, musty and tattered, she would hold them up for me to see and tell a story behind the item.

Many of her treasures were donated to the local Goodwill or other charity.  Some things were given to people that admired the item.  Her wish was to give her cherished belongings to someone who would cherish them as much as she had.

The months, weeks and days that led to this one were filled with many tears.  She would cry when she encountered a sentimental item.  She would toss out many of the items that were of no use to anyone.  Many of the things she saved were sent to her children and grandchildren.  It is so difficult for someone to have to decide which memories are worthy of saving and which get tossed out.  I could sense her saddness. I told her that memories aren't those that are an object, but those you keep in your heart.

Today was chaotic.  A few members from her church were there to assist in the move.  I know that her head was spinning.  I had to reminder her to breathe.  The boxes and furniture that she was taking with her were loaded up quickly into the awaiting vehicles.  We all knew that realistically, she had way too many things that she hoped to fit into that tiny room at the nursing home.  But, she reassured us that everything would be fine and there was plenty of room for everything.

How quickly the time passed.  Before I knew it, I had to clock out.  She was a little frazzled by the people going in and out of the house.  I gave her a hug and told her that we knew that the day of the move would be chaotic.  She hugged me back and thanked me for all I had done for her. 

There is still a lot to do at the house.  The odds and ends need to be removed, tossed away or donated.  A quick once over with the broom and mop and the house will be ready for the new owners to come in.

Settling into her new "home" will take some time.  I am comforted knowing that she will have people around her 24/7 who can attend to her needs.  Today, she is no longer my client, but she will forever be a friend.