2. misc-audio
  3. 195619-147348

God, I hate to ask this…

Recent conversations with the oncologist have been replete with phrases like ‘stage 4’,metastasis’ and unappealing statistics applied to survival rates. While my real and financial affairs are well settled I am most perplexed with how to approach this large pile of audio stuff e.g. 3 secondary systems in addition to the primary one, several thousand lp’s, a similar number of CD’s/SACD’s, a closet full of cable etc. I am utterly confident that I am not alone in this. While I am comfortable that my wife will love and care for my dog I am less confident that the Avantgardes will elicit such emotional investment. Although my immediate inclination is to cling desperately to these treasured objects it seems patently unfeeling to expect someone else to deal with all of this. My wife will have enough to do. I could just divest myself of much of it and depend on the collection of headphones that I began to amass during the first illness. I really don’t want to do this. I would also like to pre-bequeath much of it to friends assuming that they wanted it but all of them have been adamant in their refusal to discuss this with me and probably will remain so until the 11th hour. As childlike as it seems, I am emotionally invested in these fruits of a lifelong passion and want them to end up where they will be respected and loved . This seems to be a juncture that we will all come to. I would be grateful to hear the contemplations that all you have had in this, admittedly, sobering matter. 
To all of you, good cheer and good health.

 

williamjohnston

Showing 1 response by markcasazza

markcasazza
34 posts
 

I also extend my concerns for your health and second the idea to find a major cancer center. In Ohio, The James does amazing work. There are also many experimental therapies you may qualify for that could really extend your life.

But to your question:

My other hobby is astronomy and people accumulate a lot of stuff in that hobby. I have taken to helping widows liquidate their husband's stuff. I agree with your plan of bequeathing items. Since your friends won't talk about it, and it sounds like they don't need anything, how about a local club/group? I know these are harder to find, but they do exist. If you reach out to a few and communicate with their leader you may find someone you would trust to move your equipment on to people who would really enjoy it. I suspect media will be the hardest thing to sell. When I helped liquidate media in the past I went to a record fair and talked to each vendor. In the end I sold the vast majority of the media and got the family about $1,200. Sure, full retail was probably $4,000, but it was gone. I find most widows just want it gone. It brings back memories and sadness. 

Take care and don't give up.

 

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