Alyssa the Cleaning Lady

This week I have taken on the task of cleaning my grandma's home. I have put in 13 hours and still feel like I am not even 50% of the way finished.

When I walked in I felt like I was in the exotic city of Pompeii for about 5 seconds. The dust covered counters and items reminded me of the ash covered city. Instead of Mt. Vesuvius erupting it was just decades of neglect leaving the stain of time. 

At first I was kind of frustrated and kicking myself for even offering to do it. But then I thought about my poor grandma hobbling around on her bum ankle and the home that I have so many memories in deteriorating and was happy that I have taken on this second job. 

Now I am just ready to be done and see the fruits of my labor. I am already satisfied with my progress and will be happy to see the entire place complete. I am not just cleaning the surfaces but I am getting inside every nook and cranny, cabinet and drawer, to purge the junk and organize the treasures. 

When someone lives in a place for 50 years it is easy to accumulate a ton of crap. It is inevitable that one day someone will have to go through it. My wonderful, thoughtful mom will probably be the person who ends up taking care of the house when my grandma decides to move permanently out of town or when she's ready to let the house go. So, I just think about her when I'm cleaning and all she's done for me. If this small thing is something I can give to her then I am glad to give my time. 

It is kind of refreshing to clean. It's a bit of exercise that I need, and I have come across some old stuff. It sort of makes me feel powerful which is always fun. Like, "Hello Tupperware! You don't have a lid. Now you will meet the landfill." It just feels like a necessary part of life. We must clean out and refresh every part of our lives sometimes. 

I am learning some valuable lessons which is always important. While there are many other things I'd rather be doing--like writing on one of my books, visiting with people, reading, catching up on my TV shows, etc.--I know that I am growing and overcoming a challenge which are important things for me to do in every aspect of my life. 

I hope that you can find something that is a challenge to you and overcome it next week. I also hope you are not like me and never regret giving something as simple as your time to help another person... or if you are like me and did that initially I hope that you found the beauty in what you gave. 

Much love,

Alyssa