Clearing Out the deceased House Daughter - The Last Goodbye

Seventeen months ago, our daughter has died of wounds he received in a car accident. Since that tragic accident we walked with pain every day. We have also become a GRGs - grandparents raising grandchildren. My husband and I are the legal guardians of 16 years, fraternal twins. Raising them is our mission to new life - a sacred mission - and we will do our best.

We're trying to help the twins deal with their pain, to go on with life, and make new goals. Clearing out our daughter's house, her house and the kids loved it so much, it was a harrowing experience. Our grandchildren packed some items and, subsequently, did not want to go home. Their home was a happy place, a place full of love and laughter.

Now it was a sad and lonely and had to sell.

Months ago, the rural towns in south-Minnesota were hit by a terrible flood. Many families have lost everything they had and some still living in government trailers. So instead of having an auction, my husband and I decided to donate the contents of the house of our daughter in Rushford Flood Relief. We discussed the idea with our grandchildren and have it approved.

The organization had contact Our Savior Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Packing pieces It took several months. The elements that were not designated for flooding have been donated to Goodwill. Last Saturday, a huge truck stopped in front of the rental house. A smiling man with a white beard fell from the truck and introduced himself as the pastor of the church. "This is a sad day for me," I said, "and I cry." He understood everything.

Twenty-two volunteers from the church (youth group and adults) had offered their help. The president of the congregation gave them instructions for loading. Before he started to load the group gathered together in a prayer circle. The pastor asked God to bless the volunteers and thanked our family for his generosity. After the prayer he added: "Many of you know our history. Our goal is to do something good with pain." The tears trickled down his cheeks, as I expressed these words.

Several volunteers have personally thanked us for what we were doing. "There's a lot of good stuff here," said one. "Are you going to help many people." The volunteers worked quickly, and a "parade" of voices came from the door, dining tables, coffee tables, chairs, right wing, lamps, televisions, computer work stations, dishes, pots and pans, bedding, porch furniture and more. Two hours later the truck was packed to the rafters.

The pastor locked the back door, entered the truck, and slowly walked away. I stopped in front of the house and sobbed. Although some items were still on the garage floor has not been canceled yet, the last vestige of the daily life of our daughter were gone. The next day I received an email from the president of the congregation.

According to him, the volunteer gave the members of the group of young people a better understanding of compassion and giving. He went on to say that 10 new volunteers unloaded the truck when he reached Rushford. Residents of flooded communities gathered around the truck and took furniture and boxes identified they needed. An hour later - just an hour - the truck was empty.

From the prayer circle, meeting the volunteers, to block the back door, the day was a religious experience. Giving to others made us feel better and think that our grandchildren made me feel better, too. James Russell Lowell wrote to give in "Vision of Sir Launfal" and keep his words in our hearts. He wrote:

Not what we give, but what we share -

For the gift without the giver is bare;

Who gives with his alms feeds three -

Himself, his neighbor hungry, and me. Harriet Hodgson ......