Dear Leah, I too was saddened to read of the loss of your kitchen items and now your kitties stockings. I understand, because I have many "old" kitchen items you could not replace that I wouldn't trade for anything. They do exactly the right job, may not be very "high-tech", but they will last forever.

About twenty years ago, our home was burglarized at Christmas time. It was very traumatic because it was the next day after we had given a large party for our friends
and everything that they brought was stolen along with every piece of jewelry that I owned. I am a neat-nik, so it was easy -
it was all in one place.

Now, today, I could not tell you what one piece was with the exception of a pin that my dear Aunt had given me. Which has always made me think that the best things we own are our memories. We could walk away from our home, leave everything tangible behind, but still be taking the very best of our lives with us. No, maybe not the pictures and certainly not the pets.

I don't have a lot, but some old things that belonged to family and as much as I love these things and enjoy looking at them, I am starting to give them away to my nieces and nephews. I want them to hear the story behind the item now, from me, and why it might be special and who owned it. I just gave a nephew a very old toy. It had belonged to his Dad when he was a boy and my nephew was really happy to have it.

There are some things from my father, their grandfather that they never met, and I want them to have these things now, while I am still here, can see how much it means to them and also have the enjoyment of seeing them receive it.

Aside from specific things, my will says - take what you want - no fighting - and have one glorious garage sale with what is left.

Leah, I will say a prayer for your kitties, and it is a sure bet that they remember those stockings and your love because the memory of YOU is what they took with them to the Rainbow Bridge.