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 yesiam_a_pirate

Thank you for your sobering and thoughtful post, William.  My heart goes out to you.

I have legitimately prayed for your peace, and thoughtful examination into your eternal soul's final destination. We will all face death and it's long shadow forces us to make honest evaluations of everything in our remaining life and afterlife. 

You mentioned that the people you consider most inclined to inherit your gear won't talk of it. I understand their reluctance. May I proffer that you will it to them in a way that they will most appreciate what you have given them- perhaps with exhaustive explanations of that makes it special and how to maximize it's enjoyment. 

I'd also suggest asking your local dealer or a dealer who will speak honestly with you to quote a purchase price with agreement to deconstruct and move the equipment out of it's location with zero hassle to your wife at a time best for her. Of course TMR is an option, but they pay 30% of retail at best. I'm pretty sure a competent dealer could do better. 

May God bless and keep you William.