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This was a lovely story, Caro

My mum kept so many things as we discovered recently when we recently got around to finally going through the last of the items we brought from her house ten years ago

It’s understandable after reading your notes as she often clung to memories of happier times when things got really rough, and would pull out photos or newspaper clippings to remind herself of the past. We tried to talk to her about it as it often just made her sadder but it was a complicated issue

Anyway, I’ve not completely avoided the problem myself as I obviously keep all my books, magazines and even CD’s that I no longer listen to, just for the memories they help me recall

As you and I both said, it’s complicated

Thanks for another wonderful story 🙏

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Thank you, Dan. I’m going through something similar with my sister who also has dementia. I understand the need to surround herself with familiar things. Her house isn’t a complete mess yet, but it’s getting more difficult to keep it clean and organized.

Like you, I hold on to my books and CDs plus old photos. I don’t think we have a hoarding problem though.

Sigh… Yes. It is complicated.

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I’m so sorry to hear that about your sister, Caro. It truly is a terrible condition ❤️

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Real insights in this piece, Carolyn. So well stated.

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