The Vest at the Center of the Venn Diagram
When John died, I moved his stuff along. I didn’t want to be a hoarder; useful things should be in use, I told myself, and his clothes and gear were useful. Alder was two - the thought of holding onto things for 15 years in case a hypothetical 17-year-old Alder wanted them felt a bit absurd. But somehow, the years elapsed and a little over a year ago Alder turned 17. I sensed a growing interest in John and began pulling out photos. He would peer at them, and I would tell the story of the photo, who was in it, what antics he was up to. But it was the gear that caught his eye. He’d squint and say, “That jacket’s fire.” A person’s spiritual essence may not reside in the tangible detritus of their life, but quality outerwear is no trifling matter in Alaska. “I can’t believe you gave his stuff away,” Alder said. I began asking around. My sister-in-law Julie had saved the things I gave her. Last summer she took Alder down to her basement and produced a perfectly preserved pile of ...