A few weeks ago, I took on the task of cleaning out my closet. I filled a large trash bag with unwanted items to be taken to the Good Will store. It’s still sitting there, waiting to be dropped off. Most things are those that had not been worn in over a year – still useful – some too big and some too small. After Paul died, my daughter meticulously went through all his things and sorted those that family could use and those that could be donated. I was grateful that she took care of that for me.

As I made my way through this yearly purging event, I came across a couple of old jackets that were worn by Paul in his lifetime. Those, along with many of the hats he wore, remain in my possession. They are just items of clothing that have very little material value, but they defined the man that wore them.

When I woke up this morning, I got to thinking about those empty coats and hats. I know it may seem silly, but those tangible items bring back some special moments that we shared. The fringed, soft, buckskin jacket he purchased on sale reminded me of his days of his reenactment as an 1800s artist. Another jacket that resembles something that Indiana Jones would wear also remains. It’s a leather airman’s jacket, weathered and worn, yet still reminds me of the handsome fellow who wore it. I know these are just things, but they stir up so many thoughts of him and our marriage. There are some things that are hard to get rid of. It’s almost a betrayal of sorts.

I still have a collection of hats he wore, many of his art supplies and a whole collection of beautiful art. These things – these remnants of the past – these worn and frazzled items – these insignificant to anyone other than me – hold a special place in my heart. I look at them and can see him again. I try them on and feel like he’s with me. When we die, we leave a lot of stuff behind that seems valueless to most people, but to those who loved that person, they leave more than a sentimental hug. They will eventually wind up in a large trash bag when I go to heaven. Their worth will have slowly drained but the treasure they left behind for me was priceless.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. HELP ME TO USE THIS TIME TO SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH OTHERS AS YOU HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH FOR ME. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE IN MY MIND. THESE SIMPLE TREASURES REFLECT A LIFE WELL LIVED AND A MAN MOST LOVED AND MISSED. AMEN!