Mia! I’m so sorry for your tragic loss of your son. Of course, you keep what’s deeply precious to you. Always. When I speak about letting go of stuff, I really mean be conscious of what you have and why you have it. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Just actually looking at everything, piece by piece, and asking “Do I need to keep this?” There is no right answer to that question.

When considering your son’s memorabilia, the most important thing is to bring some agency to your situation. Are you keeping this (whatever it is, object by object), because you can’t let it go? Or because it brings you joy and comfort to keep it. Make it a conscious act. Honor your son by living in the present moment — of love, of grief, of humor — whatever it is. And make wise choices that are your own.

Perhaps some of his clothing (not necessarily all) could serve someone else who desperately needs it. Perhaps there are things that don’t really mean all that much to you or anyone else, but they were his. These are the things I would look at a little more deeply to make sure you’re choosing them, and not that they’re commandeering you.

In any case, no matter what, know that whatever your path with ‘things’ is, you are walking it to the best of your ability, and there is absolutely no wrong way to do this. Listen to your heart. Listen to where and when it’s uncomfortable, and ask “What would help? What do you need?” Your heart will tell you. Then, do it. Give it what it asked for. You’ll be surprised at the simplicity and the health of that simple act.

Blessings on you and your family. And a heartfelt pang of loss at the loss of your son.

Tina