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Ken Feltham's avatar

I must admit, this like most of your articles, definitely resonates with me , being almost three decades older, material things have become far less important than ever. I have even instructed my wife my family that when I do depart these shores, quietly cremate me and put my ashes in the garbage can. I don’t want anyone to visit a headstone or an engraved plate, that somehow is supposed to reflect on my life. I have during my professional career met some extremely wealthy people, most seem to want to accumulate not necessarily accomplish anything meaningful. I luckily am surrounded by two well adjusted, reasonably successful sons, and now by four wonderful grandchildren who I have been able to watch and share their lives with, realising as a parent, grandparent, that they are not mine , simply on loan to me, whilst I try and teach them about being good, deep thinking citizens of this planet, to fight for democratic rights and values and treat all people equally.

Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Having lived on a small sailboat with my life partner for 37 years, I really get this. No things is not nothing. Bon voyage!

Lou Dunham's avatar

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your truth!

Jen St. Germain's avatar

You are living the way I would if I didn't have a husband who has a different take on it. I dream of a capsule 10-piece wardrobe (I live with cold and snow, so I need a few more things than you :), Inches of space between hangers. I love mostly empty counters. Nothing on tables.

I have a few things that are very important to me beyond the humans I love. I kept a box or two of my sons' childhood mementos. Neither cares, as far as I can tell, to have them. I am considering just taking photos of them and finally letting them go.

I plan to sell our house in the next few years and move to an apartment - no yard work, nothing extra taken with us, and I can just focus on living and doing the things I want to do.

This is such an unpredictable world, though, that I tend to want to have a packed bag ready so I can flee from my home right at the US border and go north.

I think it's awesome that you and I are on the exact same wavelength!

Betsy Chasse's avatar

I do think all those years where I had homes dreaming of tiny houses I sort of created it anyway

Jen St. Germain's avatar

I will probably get there :)

Claudia Micco's avatar

I love that you have your summer getaway. I think it’s really cool. Last year you were just getting ready to come to Maui. 🙏 ❤️