Joyful memories and gratitude
Parting with a much-loved family home can be heartwrenching. The elderly couple had intended to downsize but sadly left it all too late. They had however had the foresight to invite their children and grandchildren to identify any items in the house that they especially liked and attach their names accordingly. As they all walked around the house together the couple recalled the stories behind each treasured item so that the memories live on.
The time came when the ‘For Sale’ sign had to go up. The two families’ young assembled in the kitchen where they arranged a vase of flowers picked from the garden, lit a candle, made a cuppa as they sat around the old pine table. The plan was to thank each room for the safety and warmth it had offered over the years before having to say goodbye.
The kitchen was bursting with memories of family meals shared in the cosy warmth of the Aga, recollections of doing homework amidst the aroma of Mum’s baking and of course the bacon sarnies.
Taking the candle they moved into the dining room. A formal room used mainly at Christmas, for Sunday lunch and special occasions.
With the candle placed on a coffee table in the sitting room they sat in the former glory of a room that had buzzed with warmth and excitement. They listened to the musical box, which evoked nostalgic memories.
Moving up stairs to Sue’s room; now a mother herself, she sat on the cushioned window seat and read aloud a passage from one of her childhood books.
Next door was Ben’s room, he told his own boys about the tricks he played on his sister and revealed a secret cupboard, which still contained a collection of his boyhood bounty.
Then to the main bedroom where the candle was placed on the dressing table. Tears of joy and sadness flowed as they remembered their parents/grandparents and the precious times spent together.
Finally they thanked the house and garden for the joy and shelter it had brought into their lives, acknowledging that it was now time to let go. Gathering around the candle they blew out the flame and said good bye. www.lastwishes.world www.ciecleoflifecelebrations.co.uk
Jean Francis is the founder and inspiration director of Last Wishes, an organisation which seeks to encourage people to think about their legacy and have open conversations with their loved ones about their end-of-life wishes.
If you have a question you would like her to help with through this column email it to jean@liveyourlegacy.co.uk. We appreciate this could cover some sensitive subjects so your name will be kept confidential.