My wife was born and raised in England until she was 14 and came to Canada.
Her father died when she was nine and her mother became incapacitated shortly after. She had a sister who was 5 years older and a brother who was five years younger. They tried to live on their own with their mother but it didn't work out. They were split up and went to live with relatives...older relatives whose own children had left the home. These aunts and uncles did not want young kids so it was arranged that they would come to Canada to live with and uncle.
When thy left England they were not able to take much with them. Some of the personal things they had were left.
So I'm getting to the point of my post. They were given some small gifts before they left England. Today I was cleaning and upset a box of stuff that I wanted to get rid of for downsizing. I picked up a little book like thing and asked her , "what's this?" She said it's a gift I was given before I left England. It hit me why some of the things she has are so meaningful. She had very little so the small gifts mean a lot to her to this day.
So I understand why downsizing here moves at a glacial pace.
She also knows who gave her every gift all through her life.
