I love this story and these rememberings, Jena! I feel like I'm in the room with you and your dad as you're going through beloved books. It reminded a lot of the process I went through with my elderly parents to move them from Southern California to New Mexico five years ago. Only I don't think we were quite as graceful as you all were : )
How wonderful to have a language of books to share with your dear dad. It is about so much more than the book, as you so beautifully. describe.
I just love this story so much. I’ve downsized my books once, when we moved to our condo about 12 years ago. Now at age 70, I know the day will come when I have to “embody” my bookshelves even further. It is difficult, because each one of them is one I would truly miss if it were gone.
But as your dad so wisely said, we can’t take all the stuff with us. The older I get, the more I’m aware of the freedom in simplicity and small living. Those books gave me pleasure and wisdom and companionship. Like all good old friends, their memory will be a blessing, whether sitting unread on a shelf or held in the minds eye of my heart.
I’m glad you had that moment with your dad - that will be a lifelong blessing in your memory too.
I love this story and these rememberings, Jena! I feel like I'm in the room with you and your dad as you're going through beloved books. It reminded a lot of the process I went through with my elderly parents to move them from Southern California to New Mexico five years ago. Only I don't think we were quite as graceful as you all were : )
How wonderful to have a language of books to share with your dear dad. It is about so much more than the book, as you so beautifully. describe.
Those rocks have seen some stuff.
I just love this story so much. I’ve downsized my books once, when we moved to our condo about 12 years ago. Now at age 70, I know the day will come when I have to “embody” my bookshelves even further. It is difficult, because each one of them is one I would truly miss if it were gone.
But as your dad so wisely said, we can’t take all the stuff with us. The older I get, the more I’m aware of the freedom in simplicity and small living. Those books gave me pleasure and wisdom and companionship. Like all good old friends, their memory will be a blessing, whether sitting unread on a shelf or held in the minds eye of my heart.
I’m glad you had that moment with your dad - that will be a lifelong blessing in your memory too.
Wonderful story about the embodied bookshelf.