Early Education

    I'm feeling the need to organize and by that I mean to rid my house of the accumulation of 50 years. I started with a collection of books and that hasn't worked out.  I saw a notice of collection of any and all textiles and cloth. I filled  2 garbage bags and had the contents contributed, for recycling, I think.  It made no noticeable difference. I  turned to excess clothing in my closet, and shipped out 2 large boxes, but there is no more room in my closet, and no space to put all my clothes. I don't get dressed up anymore--no blazers and blouses for work. I'm trying to donate all the frozen food in my freezer, including a large turkey which no one came to dine on last winter, New Year's or so. No takers so far.

   So my latest effort is paperwork. What do I do with all the report cards and letters and cards and memories, and is it now safe to throw away the paper records of the brutal struggles I went through, not just with the VA. but with the long and contested struggle for health insurance with my former employer. And the triumphs and awards of the kids. If I start looking through them, I'm doomed to tears and heartbreak. I found a case with all my youngest child's accomplishments, and his report cards from preschool on up. But even before that a Progress Report from his destined-to-be- a-teacher sister: