Today I gave away my grandmother's bone china. I've had it many years, at least 25 years... since Mom died. And yet I couldn't get rid of it. It sat boxed and in storage and relocated when I relocated. But I couldn't give it away. It was an obligation to my ancestors (?). Emotional baggage? Not that I would ever have 8 to 12 people dining with me simultaneously. I have no one to leave it to. I have no one who would want it. People don't entertain or holiday like they used to. And yet I kept it. I figured maybe one day I should use it. It's good stuff, but like good clothes you should use them sometimes.  Several years ago I had taken one plate out and put it in the cabinet with my daily dishware. But I never used it. I couldn't microwave on it. I couldn't throw it in the dishwasher. It was pretty and elegant. But it never got into daily rotation, not even on holidays or special occasions. The daily stuff works adequately for me. 

 But yesterday, or maybe it was a couple days ago, I saw a woman settling her recently deceased parent's affairs. And I realize I truly have no one who will be interested in receiving any of my 'treasured' remaining goods. And that's not a sad thing; that's just life. I thought about it and recalled also that Mom even never use this china. She didn't like it. She she inherited it from Granny also as emotional baggage. And it was generational continuing baggage. I don't know that Granny even actually liked it. I never  recalled Granny serving me a meal on it. So I decided it was time. 

 There were three boxes of preciously wrapped dishware. I did take the time to take everything out and ensure that there was a complete and total set. 

 I kept a crystal pitcher and a relish plate that was not part of the set. Again, I don't recall them ever actually being used, but I thought I might. Some Jamaican hibiscus tea would be delicious in that pitcher. And I love pickles.  I also located a set of mixed flatware, silverware in the box. I left it. And I took it over to Jamaican Relief Ministries Restore. I asked the man to make appreciative comments as I handed it off to him and he did. He said they would sell it within a day. And I certainly hope they do.

 Driving home feel slight relief. I may have regrets, but they're unfounded regrets. Now I just have to go through the other stuff, my own stuff. I realize nobody will treasure my treasures. Nobody is interested. And that's fine. They have their own interests. And their own unrealized emotional treasures/baggage.