Garage Sales, Estate Sales- snapshots of a lifetime

In the past month, my sisters and I with our husbands have been cleaning out our parents home preparing to sale it soon. In one month, that structure has gone from a home to a house. When we started the process, it was a home filled with treasures and memories from our lives and our parents lives together. Now after the garage sale, it is just a house with walls and floors, brick and mortar. Oh how sad you might say, and I would say back, no not sad just a bit sentimental. Living a successful and full life, means you must keeping moving. Keep moving through life, on to the next stage, the next opportunity, always looking forward. We will always have those memories of the home full of love, joy, tears, fears, happiness and sadness, all the emotions of life, but they are now snapshots of our past that will blend into the pictures of the future.

I just spent a weekend with my brother-in-law and a dear friend setting up and having a garage sale. There was lots of stuff, junk and treasures, but it was a special day for me. The parade of people from all walks of life is always a treat for me, but a few special people entered that garage and I won't forget them.

One gentleman, walked into that crowded and stuffed garage, walked up to a table and picked up an item that I actually meant to throw away, thinking no one would want this. He picked up a key to the city of Seminole, OK, from the Mayor given to my father. Both of their names were printed on the key. Although this was potential trash to me, it was a treasure to this gentleman.  My Dad had taught this person a class in college many years ago, but he made an impression on his life. This man who walked into my life and gave me a different glimpse of my father wanted to buy that key.  I held the key, turned it over and saw Dad's name and replied, "it's not for sale.  I will gladly give you this key and thank you for the memory".  He did not buy anything that day, but left with a treasure in his hand and a smile on his face.

Oh, I could tell you stories of that weekend, but I will spare you the details.  I am finishing this blog post several years after I started it and my Mom and Dad are both gone now.  When I look about my home, I see items that came from their home.  Those items left a home and entered  into a house that has become my home. A house is a structure, a protection from the outdoor.  It can be destroyed in so many ways.  But a home is a feeling, it is in your heart, it will travel where ever you go.  A home is a place of safety and happiness and he does not even need a structure.