Having an "end of an era" moment ....

[Tandbikkies]

I have spent the morning sorting through a load of unused and unwanted camping related stuff. It's mainly pans, a kettle, cooking utensils, an old camp stove ......... all stuff DH and I used to use back in the day when we had a small camper van and used to spend our weekends and holidays out and about in all sorts of places camping, walking our dog, exploring and just enjoying life.

Now - several years later, we're in our 70's, DH is ill with dementia and other health and mobility issues and our camper van days are well and truly behind us.

My (much younger) friend, is newly single and has just acquired a small camper very similar to our old one. She's kitting it out for solo adventures and I have offered her all our old stuff to get her started. I sort of feel better knowing it's going to be used and have a new life with her, instead of sitting unused and ignored in our shed.

But I feel inexplicably sad. I'm getting emotional over an old kettle and a few plastic plates ffs!!! It truly feels like the end of an era for us - those simple things hold so many happy memories for us and parting with them will be bitter sweet.

Not sure what I'm asking really - just wanted to say how sad I feel right now. So, has anyone else had one of those "end of an era" moments, when something simple signalled the end of something precious?

I dont think your sad feelings are "inexplicable" in the slightest, you are grieving for what is gone

look after yourself xx

I completely get what you mean - my children have recently given up riding and I have had similar feelings over rejoining the mountains of pharaphenalia which went along with their hobbies. It was inexplicably sad. Be kind to yourself x

Quite reasonable for you to feel grief. It meant a lot to you, those weeks in the camper. I hope you find something else that brings you pleasure, even if it's not the same.

Oh I understand. But try and think as the end of your era as the start of a new era for your friend

Yes, it’s saying goodbye to all those good times that won't be repeated, for whatever reasons. I felt it when the DC left home and I'm feeling it now because we've got to let our cottage in Scotland go, and I'm gutted.
I hope you find another thing that you can share and brings you pleasure.

We've just done the same with RAF Cadets and DD is about to go to uni. Very emotional.

I think those feelings are completely valid. Try to remember the happy memories you made with your DH

I had similar throwing/donating all our camping equipment recently. DH and I have been together since late teens. We would often set off and camp for the weekend, surfing, climbing, walking etc. generally being very carefree. We have two small children now and that lifestyle just isn't possible anymore. I adore our children of course I do and the new adventures they bring but I did have a pining moment for when we used to walk out on a Friday at 5pm and adventure all weekend to returning home early hours ready for work Monday. It's not bad. Just different

Have been there but somehow I didn't feel as upset as I thought I would.

In the past three years I have given up two hobbies/pastimes that I had enjoyed for what seems a lifetime (thirty six & forty six years respectively) but the time had come to let go.
I sold (almost) all the paraphernalia from both, holding on to just a few items that have no secondhand value.

I thought I would be upset (and indeed many people have asked how I feel) but I knew it was the correct thing to do and have no regrets, just fond memories.

Yes. I experience this a lot and think it's quite normal.

I think most people feel it to some extent, just some feel it more than others.

I cleared out my kids outgrown clothes and toys lately.

Strangely, the ones I felt most sad about were the toys that were never really played with. The ones that were played with a lot I felt ok passing on. The ones that were never really played with made me feel very sad as I felt that my kids missed out and I let them down, and now that time has passed and they never will play with them. It was a horrible feeling.

So I do very much sympathise.

Sounds like you had many great times xx

I'm putting off giving away my sons hot wheels collection for this reason. He used to spend hours if not days with those little cars and oh the excitement on birthdays and Christmas when he got a new track or a part of a hot wheels city. He's 7 now and I keep thinking maybe he'll go back to them, but he never does.

Well, I'm glad it's not just me who feels the pull of nostalgia over simple things. Thank you for the kind responses. ........

Maybe one day, we'll get back on the road, but meanwhile, the memories are all there to be cherished.

Totally valid.
It's lovely though that someone else will get the use out of them.

Totally get this OP, not at your stage of life but i feel like this every time the children pass another milestone.
could you take photos of the items that have brought you joy over the years and keep them stored digitally? I did this with some of the children’s toys before giving them away.