Stored Memories

Today, I made the decision to clean out my storage unit alone. My son had been reluctant to join me on previous trips, understandably so—what I saw as cherished memories, he viewed as a tedious chore. And I get it. It's so easy to accumulate, yet harder to get rid of. Each time I’ve gone to purge and sort through the boxes, I’ve been filled with dread, mainly because of the task itself.  But today, something was different.

Without the pressure of time or anyone else’s impatience, I took my time and allowed myself to truly explore what was in those boxes. I stumbled upon baby cards people sent me when my son was born, notes from friends written during my pregnancy, and countless other treasures that took me back to significant moments in my life. It was an overwhelming experience, but in the best way possible.

My son is 12 now, and as I sifted through these memories, I understood why he didn’t share my enthusiasm. These things weren’t his memories—they were mine. And while dragging him along might have been an attempt to bond over these shared experiences, I realized that some journeys are better taken alone. Today, without any distractions, I was able to appreciate each memory, to smile, to laugh, and even to shed a tear or two.

This was my second attempt at purging, and while I managed to part with some things, I know there’s still more work to be done. Yet, this process isn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It’s about valuing what’s truly important—those memories that still hold meaning and those that have shaped who I am today.

As I uncovered a friend’s magazine she created in my living room years ago and another friend’s gift basket business that has since been sold, I was reminded of how far we’ve all come. Our lives have evolved in ways we never imagined, just as I never thought I’d become a mom.

Looking back on these memories, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I hope that everyone gets a chance to reflect on their lives, to see how far they’ve come, and to appreciate the journey—past, present, and future.

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