Things Kids Really Want to Inherit

Things Kids Really Want to Inherit This blog was inspired by a friend who told me her garage is filled with “stuff” and she finds it hard to let go of it all because her kids may want some of those things. I told her I was so grateful for downsizing and to be living in a “less-is-more” attitude. My sis and I had an estate sale business. We came across plenty of collectibles, heirlooms and stuff that “Boomer” parents have been amassing and can’t wait to unload it on their offspring. What we found were most of their offspring wanted nothing to do with their parents’ physical and emotional clutter.

We usually found there was a happy middle ground. Some of the children were actually interested in some of the stuff — but typically only in small amounts, and mostly the stuff that’s long on memory and short on size. Honestly, “stuff” isn’t what the next generation usually wants. It’s more about the deeper longing for the stuff that’s enwrapped in family memories. We learned that photos matter, but less is more. What our kids don’t want are the 140 family photo albums that date back to the Civil War. But they do want a few that hold special family memories. It needs to be THEIR memories, not OURS.

My mother-in-law noted that when one of her children or grands would say “I love that bowl or knick-knack or collectible,” she’d label that item underneath with that one’s name. When she downsized to her daughter’s home, she passed those items on to the name-holder. I have several of those items. The things that mean most are the small items that we remember our loved ones actually using. It’s part of our family’s history.

We found that the strongest memories of all come from Christmas — like a nativity set or ornament. Our children want that memory. Recipes and recipe books are a big deal, also. And, even better, are the actual handwritten recipe cards from mother or grandmother. I still remember my mom taking the cards out and using them while she cooked. I treasure seeing my mom’s handwriting that is undeniable. Those cards are irreplaceable.

When my husband passed on in November, Christmas was coming. I knew I wanted to pass on some of Papa’s things for each one of our six grandchildren. I spent days rummaging through my sweetheart’s treasures and items that represented who he was. I gathered the items together and strategically placed them in six very fine treasure boxes. There were fishing tackle items, measuring tapes that represented Papa’s ability to build and restore; one of Papa’s hankies, one of his pocket knives, Smarties candies (he always had a package in his pocket for the grands); one of his crosses, a pair of his glasses and one of his watches, sports pins, breath freshener strips (Papa was adamant about good-smelling breath). And, a photo of that grandchild and Papa. Not much in monetary value – but each grand still has their Papa’s box in their possession.

Because I have been there, my blog today is for those who are hanging onto stuff – in attics, closets, and storages. I hope what I’ve said helps you to let go, make space and save the most cherished possessions. And, while I’m talking about cherished possessions, I pray that you know what matters most are the treasures and memories of faith, those things that matter most in the light of eternity. The prayer times together. The times of being in church together. The times of trusting God in the midst of the storms. The times of happy tears being shed because of answered prayers and the birth of a baby or a marriage. Especially, the stories of God’s faithfulness. Those are the things our children really want to inherit.

Here’s what God says about it! “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) These are the treasures and collectibles that matter most – those moments that count and live way past “the stuff”!