Thank you for sharing all of that. I really felt what you wrote. It’s strange how these everyday things — a pot, a lipstick, old papers, photos — end up holding so much of the people we lost. We don’t plan it. We just keep them because they feel like a small piece of who they were.

I understand what you mean about the reminders. My plate did the same thing to me. It’s not really about the object, it’s everything around it. The memories, the years, the things we didn’t realize we were still carrying.

Your mom’s lipstick sitting on your desk… that hit me. It’s such a simple thing, but it says so much. Same with your roommate’s pot. These things stay with us because they were part of real life, not just the big moments.

We just do the best we can with what we have. I get what you’re saying about work, too. That feeling of pushing yourself for years and then realizing what it cost. I’m glad you’re choosing your kids, your family, your friends, your spiritual life. That’s real. That’s the part that matters.

Retiring early, slowing down, stepping back from Hive — those are big choices, but they sound like the right ones for you. It’s never too late to shift your time toward the things that actually feed your life.

I’m really grateful you shared all of this. It made me feel less alone in what I’m processing with my mom’s things.

Much !LUV sis 🤗🌺❤️
!BBH
!LADY
!PIZZA