The position of care giver is not always rewarding or even bearable. You are aware ahead of time that a family member is nearing the end of “this life,” but when the final hour passes you find yourself in shock.

Compassion tells you that this person’s pain and suffering is now over with. At the same time, you feel loss and you detect the culprit of guilt creeping into your mind. You realize you are feeling relieved and guilty that it’s finally over. If this is a member of your immediate family—spouse, parent or child—you also have the task of “handling” things, a task of decision and management.

Loss of a child can bury a large part of yourself in a void that can never be filled. That is not the natural way of things; never do you expect to lose a child.

A parent or spouse usually leaves you in the position of administrator of services, business and/or legal matters, as well as the disposing of personal property. For a while you may not have time for the real grief. There is too much to be done. If you have a service or memorial, this confirms a closing—superficially at least.

Everyone handles grief differently. There are those who hold it inside, take it out at times in private but show virtually no emotion. Others who grieve openly, release it and let it go. It is normal to grieve, and there are no rules or guidelines.

If you have been the deceased person’s personal care giver or are a relative, you will always feel guilty and chastise yourself for not doing more. This is after you did all you could do physically and emotionally. “If only” are two words that you need to avoid. For years you will catch yourself saying “if only I had done this or that or more.” It’s a moot point. It is over with and you did the best you could!

Disposing of the deceased’s personal possessions can be torture; or you can ban the bad feelings and concentrate on positive placement of these items. This should be addressed well ahead of time and put on paper, but so often this is neglected or just an unbearable task that no one cares to undertake.

My mother felt that the things given to her should be returned to the giver. Her wishes were carried out to the best of my ability. I have sort of fallen into the same mode of thinking, especially where my kids are concerned. Right at this very moment I have some things on my mind and have not a clue what to do with them. Things of value that you hate to think of just selling. Some of the valuable things have already been put into the hands of the younger generation.

There are, however, so many things that are just that—things, stuff. Special books, mementos, little things that bring back pleasant memories are to be treasured. I am yet in the long process of reading the old novels that belonged to my mother, then passing them on to either family or friends to be further enjoyed.

Photos and snapshots should be labeled, otherwise it is highly likely that no one will even know who they are. I have a few of these beautiful, old, professional photographs, and I have no clue who they might be.

Clothes—do not hang on to them if you don’t need them. There are so many people in the world who go without for one reason or another that would be very grateful to have a nice coat or pair of shoes. Hanging onto these things just encourages you to brood and nurse your guilt feelings along. Give these things to a local charity unit or to someone you know that would be glad to have them.

I look at my own home today and have often said in jest, “If I died today, my kids would kill me!”

They would be appalled at the result of my “pack-rat” tendencies and feel it a personal assault at being expected to deal with all of it…as would my new spouse! I’m learning that “less is best” and giving away things so the recipients can enjoy them now!

Grief is normal, as is guilt…we do the best we can at any given time with what we have to deal with. Let go of the past and hold on only to the pleasant memories.

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