Goodwill

With the arrival of spring (so says the calendar, but mother nature hasn't received the memo yet...snow is in the forecast for tomorrow!) we've been cleaning out closets and other storage areas. With my wonderful husband home this week, he has already made the first of what I'm sure will be many trips to Goodwill. Today's batch was mostly clothes. I often give away to friends as hand-me-downs, but when things start to pile up I also like to send to Goodwill. The thing is, I literally dread this experience. Not because it's time consuming (which it is) and not because the kids groan and complain (which they do) but because I always feel like I am giving away my children's childhood. Isn't that ridiculous? I guess I have some inkling as to how hoarders live as they do...everything they keep has a special meaning to them. Fortunately I have the ability to recognize that things have to go, but I don't have to like it. I've even kept a few really special outfits, just because I want to. It seems a little too sentimental, but I just can't help myself. I find that I enjoy each phase of their lives because there is something awesome about each phase. At the same time, I also recognize how QUICKLY it all goes by, and I enjoy holding on to a little piece of the past.