I Just Packed 36 Shirts
I wore those shirts when I weighed around 220 lbs. Those shirts are huge on me now. I’ve lost inches off my chest and waist. My bone structure defines the limits now, so my shoulders and arm/leg lengths stayed the same.
I had to buy some smaller shirts. I like to wear them to my chemo sessions because they button down and we can get to my Power Port without having to remove the shirt. Comfy when you’re so skinny that you’re perpetually cold. Anyway, I wear those now when I’m not wearing my default long sleeve t-shirts & sweat shirts.
I found out that most of those 36 shirts had stories wrapped up within each one. I have very specific memories of events that these shirts also witnessed. I never knew how much what I wear is tied up in my memories. I guess it’s the prevalence of somewhat memorable shirts. I did and still do try to minimize the endlessly anonymous plaids and lumberjack patterns.
It was not boring to pack up those shirts. It went pretty quickly too since I was just basically pulling them off the hangers and sloppily folding them into shapes that would pack into a bag well. I had a little stroll down memory lane as I folded each shirt.
Next come the trousers and shorts. Lots of those. Probably a dozen all told. I had a little khaki fever in the late 1990s when I was going to a lot of functions that really liked khaki trousers as their business casual. Khaki gets dirty very fast so I found myself short on pants every once in a while. I did not put the brakes on buying soon enough, so I had too many even then. They are like vinyl records. I keep them around even though I never handle them. Unlike my vinyl there is no way in gawd’s little earth that I will ever want to wear those khakis again, so I keep no longer. Bye bye!
There are all the old Levis too. I went from wearing 35-36 inch waists down to 32 inches. Same with all my shorts. You can cinch them in using a belt but that really does look ridiculous. I had to get new ones. New belts too. I’m packing up those next.
The expensive bespoken suit that I had made for one of my niece’s wedding in New Jersey? It’s gotta go. M suggested that I try eBaying it. I’ll keep it around here for a while longer and give it a shot.
Then I’ll be done for the day. I’ll drop the bags off somewhere on Monday.
There is so much left to give away. I walk around this house and in every storage nook there’s stuff I don’t need. Ah well, another day. I’m going to bask in the warmth of a day’s task well done instead.
December 7, 2021 @ 5:18 am
I remember you being a very fashionable person, so this new body it may be a new opportunity to express yourself through new colors and textures.
For reselling try different websites like Poshmark or something like that. If not maybe a store that rent suits for weddings may be interested in taking it.
Glad to read you as always :). Sending you good vibes and hugs for you both.
December 7, 2021 @ 8:33 am
Hi, it’s so good to hear from you! Oh yes, I’m beginning to look pretty fabulous…in clothing. My new all black Levis, new shirts, even scarfs now to keep me warm since being so skinny I get cold very easily. If I ever had a reason to ever wear a suit again I can assure you that it would be an immaculately tailored piece. I even have a great looking 1924 railroad conductor’s gold pocket watch and chain to go along with it.
Poshmark looks interesting. My biggest problem with the suit is finding out its dimensions. I got it tailored so none of the measurements are standard and I cannot remember how big I was back when I had it made. Ah well, it will find a home somewhere.
December 30, 2021 @ 9:28 pm
Thinking of you both as the days begin to lengthen again. Hope the winter isn’t hitting you too hard.
December 31, 2021 @ 10:29 am
Not too bad all things considered. Progress is very slow but I still see paths to some restoration so I’ll run with what I’ve got.
December 31, 2021 @ 1:41 pm
That seems like a good frame of mind to start 2022 in – I’ll take my cue from you! By the way, Jackie S says hello
January 1, 2022 @ 7:03 am
I’ve been sad that I never got to know Jackie better. Her story must be interesting because you know, Jackie. Lemme pose a question. Someday, maybe a year or two from now I could very well be improving significantly. If that’s the case would there be enough friends in the general NY/PA/NJ to warrant doing a tour of greetings with folks in their font yards.
March 13, 2022 @ 5:51 pm
I loved your story about the storied shirts. I have a pile of t-shirts that sit in the closet but recite many chapters of my life. Missing and loving you!