I’m listening to Mr. E (85) telling me a story about how he acquired a set of artwork.  I had just pulled the two framed prints from the closet and had tried to not ruin his wife’s packing job so many years prior.  He wanted me to unwrap every piece of artwork in that closet so he could see each one and then re-wrap it.  Thus far his ability to let go was a count of 1, but his “keeps” in this category were currently at 19.  His story was running long and we had a long way to go.  I ducked back into the closet to try and prep the next item.

Me (calling out from the closet) – “What made you like the painting?”

Mr. E began chattering away again until a few minutes later I heard nothing.

Me – “Mr. E?”

Him – ?

I walked over to his chair, kneeled on the floor allowing me to get a better view of his face and any sign of trouble, gently put my hand on his upper back between his shoulder blades and roused him.

Me – “Mr. E, can I get you a snack or something to drink?” (Low blood pressure can cause drowsiness, but also so do his meds.)

He turned his head in my direction.  Looked me in the eye with a twinkle and a bit of a smile.

Me – “Mr E, you all right?”

Him – “This is decluttering stuff so much fun!!!”

Me – ? ?

Read more Stories from the Frontlines of Clutter