I’ve moved a lot over the years. I’ve lived in—hold on I’m counting—ten different homes that spanned from New Jersey to Washington D.C., Virginia, Georgia, New York, Connecticut and Arizona. I mention this because I have a number of possessions that have traveled with me during my journey, ones that I can’t seem to part with. The thing is, I am now finding the need to divest myself of objects I no longer use. But, wow, that can be hard.
Recently, we purchased two new sheds with the idea that we would move some unused items out of the house and give others away. My sweetie pie and I managed quite a few trips to Goodwill, and while I had no trouble relinquishing some possessions, others made me pause.
For example, the Yamaha 12-string I recieved for Christmas when I was 15. I have many fond memories of playing that guitar around those campfires at Girl Scout Camp and singing with my best friend Jill at various events and retirement homes. I played constantly for years. Then, one day, for no particular reason, I stopped. And yet I still toted that guitar from state to state, propping it in a corner where it seemed to stare at me. When I decided to pick it up again, 35 years had passed. Since then, I’ve acquired several guitars, so the 12-string was hung on the wall in my youngest son’s room, where it looks pretty but mostly collects dust.
Out in the yard, Ryan nodded at a small set of yellow shelves, a solidly built case that I’ve had since I was 12. “What do you want to do with this?”
“That was my first rock box!” I smiled. “My brother made it for me as a birthday present.” Jeff would go on to create furniture as a hobby, and the solidly-made piece was a testament to his skills, even though he built it when he was just 14.
Ryan waited. “Goodwill?”
I squinted. I could find no possible use for the little box, and yet I just couldn’t part with it. “Put it in the shed.” This despite the fact that my rocks are now housed in a six-by-three-and-a-half-foot glass and pine behemoth in my living room, a box that holds about 400 mineral specimens. I should have parted with the small case years ago, and yet, like my long-unused guitar, I kept taking it with me.
A short time later, I had a revelation. My old rock box might have a use after all, because, on occasion, I get the boys together and we all go rock collecting. They do this for me, and these trips are some of my favorite family get-togethers. My grandson Adrian is now seven, and he goes with us too and I sense he’s developing an affinity for rock hunts. I considered that he has acquired a lot of specimens and has no real place to put them.
I mentioned this to Ryan, and the next thing I saw was him out back painting that rock box white, since maybe yellow wasn’t a great color for a little boy.
Adrian seemed thrilled when I asked if he’d like to take the box home. And you know what? He also likes strumming my guitars.
Hummmm? Maybe I’ve found a home for that old 12-string afterall.
Your Forgotten Sons
Inspired by a true story
Anne Montgomery
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?
Release Date: June 6, 2024
Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.
Anne Montgomery’s novels can be found wherever books are sold.
Author Anne Montgomery 
It’s nice that you can pass along what brought you joy to your family, Anne. Especially the grandkids! They may get just as much joy too. Happy decluttering!
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Thank you, Sharon! The cool thing about giving my beloved possessions to Adrian is that it feels like I’m not giving them away at all. 😉
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