Are some Possessions Irreplaceable?

Recently I found myself preparing my home for a possible category five hurricane.  My husband was confident that if the storm hit at full force, we would lose our roof.  I froze on the couch while I contemplated what it meant if I lost all my possessions.  I think I sat for about ten minutes. The news was on in the background; I glanced up when I heard the governor say that all possessions are replaceable.  I raised my head at the TV, but my eyes focused on the guitar to the left.  I yelled at the TV that I could never replace my brother’s guitar because he will never own or play another one.   This statement is not correct.  There are some chattels that people own, which are not replaceable because they belonged to a loved one.  I do understand that he meant life is more important than objects.  I also know he was speaking to people who resided in a mandatory evacuation zone.

Nevertheless, a thought came to mind, and I grabbed a pen and paper and made a list of 5 things in my home that belonged to deceased relatives. My list included: (1) brother’s guitar, (2) last gift my brother gave to me, (3) jewelry from both grandma’s, (4) 1890’s Kiddush cup, and (5) a porcelain fiddle player.  I then went to the house and collected and secured the five items.  The guitar was put in a case and locked with my husband’s instruments. All of these objects represented positive memories of my loved ones.  I know if they got destroyed, a part of me would feel that memories were also damaged. 

All across America and the world, people face natural disasters.  Some like hurricanes, people, have amble time prepare.  Whereas, others like earthquakes happen with seconds to a few minutes warning.  I, therefore, ask people to create a list of objects to protect.  Depending on where you live and what type of natural disaster will determine the length of the list.  For instance, someone residing in California would have a list of one or two items.  Mental lists are great, but if you are the type of person who panics, written might be preferred.  People living in hurricane-prone areas could technically fill a suitcase as we have ample time to prepare. 

If anyone is interested in talking in person with me about protecting possession from deceased loved ones, I will be one of the speakers on the Journey of Hope and Bereavement Cruise.  The cruise embarks from Tampa, Florida in February 2018.  On the cruise, I will also be discussing lost roles, how to find people to fill them, future fears, and how to try to prepare mentally.

For more information on the cruise, please visit www.j3hhh.com.   

© Robyn Faust Gabe, Ph.D. 2017