pick and choose

my mom is in pennsylvania this week. she is there with two of my aunts and papa sorting out the items in his home, deciding who will get what once the house sells and he moves down to atlanta. this is quite the process since it's not only my meemaw and papa's stuff, but also nana's (my great grandma) and her sister, my great aunt hazel's belongings. it's been going well for them, no big disputes or anything, but i'm sure it's hard to do. it's been emotional for me and i'm not even there!

it's not the fact that all the stuff is getting sorted, but rather the house won't be "ours" anymore. there will be no gemlear to escape to or spend a restful week at. i will miss going there, having family reunions there, playing shangai-hi rummy and extreme bocce, sitting and praying by the stream and taking walks. it's one of those places like camp, you always come home feeling rejuvenated and uplifted, hopefully i will get one more trip this summer to help move the furniture before it belongs to someone else.

in the whole process i haven't asked for much. a rug (which i decided against because they were so worn), meemaw's knitting needles (that i feel honored to be getting, oh the things i should knit with those) and the dishes. now, these dishes are corelle and it's a huge set that i probably don't need, they are quite old and retro, but i love them. every time i look at them i will think of meemaw and papa, their kitchen, her laugh, the meals with the whole family we've shared. eating soup and sandwiches with papa for lunch and home made applesauce instead of salad at dinner. so many memories.

i got quite a few laughs when i said that i actually wanted them and the green water classes as well, because no one thought anyone would want them, but they are quite cute and full of memories! i'm very excited for this hand-me-down (not to mention, they are dishwasher safe, virtually unbreakable, and if i ever need to buy any there is an endless supply on ebay!).


i also was asked if i wanted two twin beds that were papa's and his brother's when they were growing up. yes! mom will graciously keep them at her house until we have room and need for them. and also a small rocking chair and regular wood chair that have been in the family a long time. i'm so grateful for these things and am excited to have them to pass down through the years.