Question
I brought a piece of my mother's furniture out of storage because I want to use it. But I've had difficulty actually rearranging the room to accommodate it. I really do want to use it but can't seem to deal with her "stuff" without ending up in tears.
Answer
I expect this one will resonate with a lot of people...and the answer is all in it's own time.
If you need to leave the furniture sitting there for a while so be it. Dealing with items we associate with the person can trigger all sorts of emotions...including complete melt downs. There is nothing written that says you have to deal with any of it immediately.
Feeling ambivalent about it is also normal...you want it but at the same time you don't. Photos, clothes, furniture and keepsakes can be dealt with when you're ready.
I do have to ask though...do you have any lingering ambivalence about your mother or your relationship with her? And do those have anything to do with your feelings about this piece of furniture? Just a thought. Most of us do have that sort of thing with our mothers...twenty five years after my mother's death, I can't say I'm completely free of it.
Hope that helps,
Susan
