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Epilogue

Sean managed to get the house renovated in a few weeks and with the sudden (and temporary) demand for solid housing, getting it sold was not that difficult.

In the Summer of 2006 my mother found a new place in North Ruston that they were comfortable with, and by mid September this adventure was finally complete. Dad passed away in April of 2010 and mom finally had time to sort through her stuff - although she saw that more as an opportunity to unpack than to unburden.

We managed to get my folks moved within 10 weeks after the hurricane struck. I am, perhaps, most thankful that we got through it all with no significant illness or physical injury. The mental scars are another story, but pain is weakness leaving the body.

Perhaps the major lesson learned from this experience is the reinforcement of my pre-existing belief (necessitated by my tiny NYC apartment) that the number of things you keep should be limited to a bare minimum of items that have personal or practical value. Your "things" will consume you and distract you from what is really important in life.

When in doubt, throw it out. Ultimately, someone will have to toss it out anyway. You can't take it with you.