As some of you know, I've been clearing out Mom's things as she moves to IL/AL. And some items have been difficult to get rid of.
I am the oldest. My parents divorced when I was 3. Mom married "Dad" who was really my step-dad. They had 5 more kids that I babysat A LOT. I never saw my real father. Mom did keep a few items from her first marriage but I grew up with the rule that we NEVER talk about that time. In fact, I've found items from her first marriage I never knew existed.
Fast forward to now and I have her framed wedding bouquet from the marriage to my bio-dad which she gave to me about 10 years ago. (I did reconnect with him after about 35 years). I am not close to him or to my Mom. But I'm the one that has stepped in to take care of Mom since my step-dad died and she had her stroke.
At one point, the bouquet meant something to me. Now that I'm seeing Mom's true personality, her selfishness and manipulation of people, I no longer want it. No other family members want it.
Any suggestions?
I'd try to get it to someone who (if it's still an attractive thing) would love it and be happy/proud to own it. I'm trying to get rid of everything that doesn't have great meaning to me, or that I don't use or love. After going through getting rid of stuff from my parents (and my mom is still here and I'm facing that once again when she goes), I want my life to be SIMPLE and clutter free. Anything I question, I get rid of these days. And that feels great (to me anyway).