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

i must say my grand mother died when i was 21...

But the priest visited her very often since my birth till she died...

The doctors said nothing to do for her in the first 20 years of my life but she survived the strong iron health of his husband who died before her ironically , one morning his heart stop at 85 ...

Death is not decided by doctors but by God...

listen the music i recommended above ...

 

 

Death is not decided by doctors but by God...

I fully support that

PS Georgian writer Ilia Chavchavadze used to say:  

"Live each next day as if it were your last day (in this world)"

Dear William, so sorry to hear  of your health problems.  Please fight hard and  enjoy your system.  I have a son who is too busy going to school now for his doctorate, to be of any help to his mother.  I have started giving away my collectibles to people who like that kind of stuff.  Too much trouble to sell it.  More fun to gift it and see their happy faces!    This thread has given me more to think about.  Thank all of you for your advice.

As others, I am sorry to hear of your condition.  As others have mentioned, you may still have more gas in the tank than your condition would suggest.  Stay positive, try to exercise, and live each day at a time.  In terms of your main system, I would keep it and listen daily.  This has given you joy for years and will continue to do so.  Music is also likely to be therapeutic. You haven't mentioned if you have nieces and nephews.   I have given bits and pieces of my old equipment to a few nieces and they love it! You didn't mention if your wife likes music. If so, invite her in for some of your listening sessions.  I do this with my wife-I have curated a bunch of albums specifically for her tastes.  Teach her how to operate the equipment.  If it is less foreign and intimidating she may be more inclined to step up and drop the needle. She may also find some degree of comfort after you pass to be in the room that has been your haven for all these years and perhaps "visit" with you by playing music you have enjoyed together.  If she has interest, you could tailor your main system for her.  You mentioned that you had several audiophile friends.  Ask them if they would relieve your wife of the burden of dealing with any leftovers.  Offer them pick of the litter for their time and trouble.  I wouldn't spend more than a day or two fretting over trying to sell the secondary systems.  Most importantly, live everyday to the fullest. God bless.