Like many others have expressed, this was so beautifully written, and I am tremendously moved by your words. I have experienced all of these things, although I am a bit younger as a Gen Xer. I am currently getting ready to leave the life I have in this country and start and create a new life in another country. I am being forced to confront all the many things I have accumulated through the years, and distill to the essence, what matters most to me, in terms of shipping it, and taking it with me. as many people have noted, aging in general is very poignant and bittersweet. I think it is the letting go part that I am finding most difficult. You’re not alone in that. Thank you for writing, such a beautiful, heartfelt, genuine essay. And by the way, I agree with the others: go and drive that Corvette! You deserve it!!