Sometimes it’s hard to let go of items that have been loved by people you loved.

For me it’s my dad’s accordion, purchased when he was stationed in Germany in the 1950’s. As I was growing up, he would plunk out Happy Birthday for each of us as the family sang; he’d have a big grin on his face as his fingers fumbled the notes. This picture shows him serenading Emmanuele, our exchange student from France. My dad loved music; we used to have big New Year’s Eve parties where people brought a variety of instruments, Mom played the piano, and we’d all sing and create wonderful music together. For more than 10 years the accordion has been silent, stored in a closet in our home. It’s been hard to let go, but I recently reached out to my siblings about what to do with it.

So many people have lost loved ones in the last two years. So many have had to go through belongings, sorting through the stuff of life from people they loved. It can be heartbreaking but healing too. I’ve seen this with clients who take time to reminisce about items from their families; they share stories, sometimes with tears but often with laughter. An item might have sentimental value or represent a powerful connection to a person or place in their past. It’s an honor to come alongside someone and help them sort through belongings, deciding what stays and what goes, and finding places for the items they no longer need.

It’s easier to let go when you find a good place for an item that has sentimental value. For the accordion, my brother is planning to contact an organization that accepts donated instruments to create musical opportunities for kids. Years ago, I gave my father’s silver clarinet to a gentleman who taught children music. I love the thought of Dad’s instruments finding homes with kids who are learning music; I can imagine he’d have a big grin on his face knowing that.

It would be an honor to help you sort through a loved one’s belongings.