All Things Must Pass

The song “All Things Must Pass” by George Harrison has many implications; the one we do not like to ponder is that one of those “things” is ourselves.

This past week in Davis there was an estate sale. Going through the house brought this point home like a dart with a mission. An elderly couple had lived there for many years.  Then, after the death of the husband, it remained a home of memories for the surviving spouse for some years until her death.  At that point, the home became a house.

All proceeds from the sale were dedicated to a nonprofit organization.  The remnants of a life and a home were left intact in the house; check books, record albums, books, full closets, and full kitchen cupboards waiting to be used.

Everything in the house was “for sale”. It was a sobering, melancholic experience to walk through this place, looking for a bargain amidst their life long collection of keepsakes. The carving obtained during a trip to India was now a piece of wood worth a few dollars. Before, it was a keep sake – possibly a gift from someone they met on this trip or simply a reminder of their last trip together. A photo album full of a lifetime of experiences lay open to be viewed and most likely, sent to the garbage dump. Album after album of friends now gone.  A coat purchased at I. Magnum many years ago, made of beautiful scottish wool, hardly received a second look. Was it purchased to meet the Governor or possibly, for a reception in the couple’s honor? I spotted a hand written list of of Spanish translations for common words used in cooking – I wonder if she was an enthusiastic and great cook.

I walked away with some Christmas tree decorations. How many Christmases did they hang these ornaments? What made these ornaments so special to them?   Returning home, I wondered as I wandered through my house what makes our “things” special to us.

I realized that “things” are only valuable to us because of what we project into them.  When I pass it’s reassuring to know that I take all that value with me. The things that stay behind will be bereft of their real value.

Yes, all things must pass, even in Davis.