This is tangential to the question you asked, but the discussion made me think of it. Years ago I had an elderly neighbor who died alone and wasn't discovered for several days. She didn't have any close family, and no one came to clean out her apartment, leaving the building super to have to deal with it. The apartment was on the 5th flo…
This is tangential to the question you asked, but the discussion made me think of it. Years ago I had an elderly neighbor who died alone and wasn't discovered for several days. She didn't have any close family, and no one came to clean out her apartment, leaving the building super to have to deal with it. The apartment was on the 5th floor, which happens to be the top floor of the building. Rather than hauling all of this woman's belongings down the stairs, the super took them to the roof and threw them off. I will never forget sitting in my living room and watching all of this woman's possessions falling in front of my window. Her entire life ending up in a broken pile behind the building. It was one of the most depressing things I have ever witnessed. That was probably 15 years ago, and I still tear up thinking about it.
I saw a similar situation with a large dumpster gradually filled with the man who lived behind us' possessions. It really makes you question the need for acquiring things (harking back to Fight Club here).
This same malaise hits me in antique stores. Items severed from their story. I'd wager that's why good auctioneers can spin a narrative that excites buyers.
My most prized memento is Oli's hospital bracelet that his mom sent to me as a surprise. The physical value is 0 but the sentimental value is priceless.
This is tangential to the question you asked, but the discussion made me think of it. Years ago I had an elderly neighbor who died alone and wasn't discovered for several days. She didn't have any close family, and no one came to clean out her apartment, leaving the building super to have to deal with it. The apartment was on the 5th floor, which happens to be the top floor of the building. Rather than hauling all of this woman's belongings down the stairs, the super took them to the roof and threw them off. I will never forget sitting in my living room and watching all of this woman's possessions falling in front of my window. Her entire life ending up in a broken pile behind the building. It was one of the most depressing things I have ever witnessed. That was probably 15 years ago, and I still tear up thinking about it.
Deserves an essay. That could immortalize and remember her.
I saw a similar situation with a large dumpster gradually filled with the man who lived behind us' possessions. It really makes you question the need for acquiring things (harking back to Fight Club here).
This same malaise hits me in antique stores. Items severed from their story. I'd wager that's why good auctioneers can spin a narrative that excites buyers.
Hence the appeal of Antiques Road Show
My most prized memento is Oli's hospital bracelet that his mom sent to me as a surprise. The physical value is 0 but the sentimental value is priceless.