Chapter 1: The Challenge of Letting Go

Today marks the second day of a 30-minute challenge to fill a bag with items for donation or disposal. If you're interested, I invite you to join in! Each day at 4:00 PM, take a moment to pause, grab a bag, and fill it with things you no longer need. After the half-hour is up, share your results with a friend or in the comments below.

What am I parting with today? A collection of books on how nutrition can transform your life. These were previously boxed up and taken to my husband’s Celebration-of-Life event, where I hoped to find them new homes. Some did find new owners that day, but the remaining books returned home with me, forgotten in a corner for over nine years.

Here’s a moment to reflect on the significance of items we hold onto, and how they can weigh us down.

Section 1.1: The Weight of Memories

The decision to let go of those books was simple for me; they held no emotional value, and I’m relieved to no longer have to navigate around them. However, as I began to delve deeper into my belongings, I stumbled upon items that stirred more profound feelings.

My husband passed away unexpectedly one Saturday night. Though he was hospitalized, we didn't anticipate that this stay would be his last. Seven years prior, he had received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis—Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, which had cast a shadow over our lives since that August.

On the Sunday following his passing, I busied myself with the necessary arrangements, a distraction from the overwhelming loss. That afternoon, a thought struck me: I wanted his Superman fleece blanket back. A call to the hospital confirmed I could retrieve it from the nursing unit.

In addition to the blanket, I was given two plastic bags labeled "Patient Belongings." These bags contained items I never expected to see again. Once home, I placed the blanket over his favorite chair, where it had always been—a small comfort in my grief.

Section 1.2: Unearthing the Past

Upon returning, I tossed the two bags into a corner, not giving them another thought for nearly a decade. Yesterday, however, I finally opened them. Inside were toiletries, underwear, sweatpants, t-shirts, socks, and sandals. The only item I chose to keep was a "Life is Good" t-shirt featuring a cheerful character enjoying a slice of watermelon—a fitting reminder of joy.

Chapter 2: A Deeper Reflection on "Patient Belongings"

Now, let’s explore an alternative interpretation of the term "Patient Belongings." While it traditionally refers to the possessions a person brings into the hospital, it also evokes thoughts of a loving relationship. The virtues of patience and belonging are integral to the love we shared.

Furthermore, I can’t help but associate patience with waiting for the day we will reunite. This longing, though profound, is filled with a steady, patient hope. If we separate the word "belongings," we can reframe it as "Patient Be (Our) Longings," transforming it into a heartfelt prayer.

Key Message: Are you willing to patiently await what you yearn for? The journey may not always be easy. That’s why I offer this simple prayer: “Patient be our longings. Patient be our longings. Amen.”

As we delve into themes of loss and memory, it's important to reflect on how we navigate the remnants of our past. This first video explores the discovery of numerous patient documents in an abandoned care home, highlighting the stories of those who once inhabited those spaces.

The second video takes us through remarkable archaeological finds from recent years, shedding light on the importance of preserving memories and histories that shape our understanding of life and loss.

©Denise Kendig 2022, All rights reserved.

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