The Value of a Bag

D and I have an area in the basement that is designated for donations. We are constantly finding things we no longer need but that are in good shape for someone else to use. He’s had to downsize so I could fill up every nook and cranny with my stuff. I do try to keep my things neatly organized with labels and such. 

I did get rid of a lot when we began going through my previous home. A lot. One of the donation volunteers where we had already made multiple deliveries said, “You have really nice stuff.” Made me happy that I wasn’t just unloading junk for them to sort out. 

Today I was in the basement reorganizing a few shelves with winter decor that I had taken down recently. Then I looked across the aisle to other shelves that I felt should be gone through as well. I started boxing up old sheets and mattress coverings that I’m never gonna use. I straightened up the many blankets I have. Amish blankets, quilts, afghans, old crocheted blankets, baby blankets, etc. I have a fetish for certain things like blankets and old jars. And then I looked at a lower shelf that housed bags. I have a thing for bags too apparently. 

On that shelf are several backpacks. I love backpacks. There next to the backpacks was a huge bag that is filled with bags. I’m not sure what you even call these bags. My boss from the flower shop where I once worked would go to market in Chicago and bring home to us girls (employees) these cute bags from different vendors. Yeah, I still have them and I haven’t worked there since December of 2018. 

Then…I found the Vera Bradley bags. Sigh…

Michelle’s Vera Bradley bags. 

Michelle passed away in November of 2016. How can it possibly be going on 9 years already? Her daughter gave me these Vera Bradley bags.

These bags have been packed away for all these years and I have yet to use them. But they were her’s. She picked them out and bought them. She filled them up and carried them with her on outings. She touched them. I looked them over real good. One was the overnight bag she brought to my house on her last visit with me. That trip was just a week before she died unexpectedly. I opened up that big blue bag and stuck my face in it. It still smells like her. 

Well, I paused for a moment and thought for a bit. I loved Michelle so much. It’s hard to part with anything that feels like an extension of her. She loved Vera Bradley and Longaberger baskets, of which I have a few of her’s as well. But…where is the value of Michelle? Is her value in a bag, or a basket? Is her worth in the physical things she owned and touched? Or, is her value deeply embedded in my heart? I think we all know that answer.

I have things that belonged to my father, my mother, and a couple of other people who mean/ meant so much to me. Remembering where their value lies is truly important. Material things deteriorate but the love in my heart, the blessed memories, will last forever. 

So today I did what any sane person would do. I put her Vera Bradley bags in the designated donation area. 

Well…all except for that one. You know…the one that still smells of her. That went back on the shelf. Maybe I will donate it someday. Maybe. Hey…baby steps. I’m making progress. 

Where do you place the value of the people in your life? Michelle is worth so much more than the value of a bag. But I’ll hang onto her scent just a wee bit longer.

♥️

Andi