Queen E. & Me…

Another  clean up effort.

I flew into Palm Beach yesterday…a day I have been dreading.

The eradication of all evidence of my mother’s journey from her Florida home.

After getting over the shock of Queen E. not being there for airport pick up for the first time in my life, I opened the door of her place to the sounds of silence.

It felt as if I was intruding on a stranger’s residence.

For years it was filled with the sounds of talking heads and the Gilmore Girls accompanied by the scent of brisket and coconut cookies.

I jumped right in and spent 6 hours cleaning the kitchen, sorting dishes, silverware, pots and pans, scrubbing the refrigerator, wiping down every cabinet…in the spirit of the season I sang out a sarcastic version of, Joy To The World.

We spoke during KP.

I scolded her for never throwing anything out.

She told me to fuck off.

It was a touching and emotional mother/daughter dialogue.

Today, we start bagging the clothes for donation.

The liquor cabinet is full…it may not be when I depart.

Rock on, Queen E.

Physically departed, but by no means forgotten.

7 Comments

  1. 💜 tough stuff! Hearing you.

  2. What a beautiful picture. You’re getting through this torturous task one room and one day at a time. And then there’s always the beach and a full liquor cabinet.

  3. Cathy Newman says:

    I’m glad Michael P. Newman was a minimalist, and often told his clients that the best thing they could do for their kids was to edit, donate or throw away their stuff. Still doesn’t make it any easier.

    Sending strength, sunshine and cocktails to help you through.

    💜

  4. Know the drill. While emotionally and physically tough, it is such a reminder of the remarkable woman and bond you had . That can never change. Rock on Toby!

  5. anna holbrook says:

    I will raise a glass for you both.
    Again, you are ahead of me on this journey – and you are doing it so beautifully. My bet is that Queen E. is very proud of the princess she raised!
    Cheers and lotsa love,
    Anna:)

  6. Done with love. She’s watching and smiling!!!

  7. Just seeing her picture made me sad. I know how hard it is too do what you are doing now. Her memories will always be a blessing.

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