Reclaiming Our Space

[CalamityJane]

I was blessed to have my grandfather live with us for 7 years.  We have a finished basement that is a completely separate living space from our main level (separate entrance, full kitchen and bath) and that is where my grandfather lived until he passed in January of 2011.  Do you know I still haven't "reclaimed" the space?  Sure, we have stuff kind of stored downstairs, but his stuff is still pretty much how he left it.  I said to my husband the other night that I wonder if we will ever consider that space "ours".  We still say stuff like "I'm putting this is Grandpa's kitchen."  or "Did you leave the light on in Grandpa's bathroom?"  I just don't know how to take it over and make it truly part of our home.

[Kidless]

Would you use the space if you remodeled it or would it always be the basement?  I say if you will use it, then remodel it so it feels like yours.  If you don't use it, then leave it as Grandpa's.  I'm sure that every time you put something in "Grandpa's" space, you have some fond memories.

[GrownupKids]

I agree with Kidless. If you need the space, then consider remodeling it into a place that will be utilized well. Otherwise, continue using it as a storage place and revel in the special memories of seven years with Grandpa. I never knew any of my Grandpas, and neither did my children know theirs.

[angelica]

If you truly want to reclaim the space or if it causes you pain to be down there, the only way to do it is to tackle it head on.  Go through Grandpa's belongings and decide what to keep for yourself or other family members, then donate the rest of the usable stuff.  Clean it all out and then re-paint and redecorate.  Leaving it as a shrine isn't doing yourself any favors as it will get harder to do if you keep waiting.