fredk's Journal

Returned from Ohio a week ago after spending 6 days cleaning the house and out-buildings of my late dad's property. I spent 16 hours home in Seattle before leaving for Portland for a few days. Finally, I am "home" now, though and resting from catching a nasty cold along the way, somewhere in the past two weeks.

What a journey this is. Going through all of my dad's stuff ( he apparently was a packrat ) was draining, confusing and not very enlightening. I guess in the end I know little more about my dad and his life and motivations than I did when I started. So much stuff! My sister and I over-filled a 20 yard dumpster and then still had more we had to put on the ground. When all was said and done, though, the place looked much better and hopefully ready to sell. The lawyer we hired has had one inquiry. The goal is to sell it by Fall.

While there in East Liverpool I went to the City Hospital to meet with the nurse whom watched over my dad in the last days of his life. This was a bright moment in the week we were there. Libby ( the nurse ) and I talked for about a half an hour. She really has a heart of gold. I'm glad I got the opportunity to thank her in person and get to know her a little. It was a very uplifting visit.

I sent back home about 6 boxes of personal stuff and have gone through them: old photo albums, etc. Lots of personal items that I just couldn't throw away or leave for the auction that is planned for his cars, tools, furniture, etc. It took quite a few hours to go through all of the boxes. I have kept one in the house just to look at the photos hoping something will pop out and tell me something more. I could write so much about this journey, but I am just so tired and not feeling well. I'm not sure it would serve much purpose anyway as I just have impressions, sights/smells and lots of questions that will now go unanswered forever. I guess I am just going to let the past be passed and move forward.

Well, it is good to be home.

Hugs~Fred