DEAR ABBY: My mother passed away five years ago. I have a table and chairs that belonged to my grandparents that were given to me by Mom before her death. (They meant a great deal to her.)
Because the set was passed down to me, must I keep it? The base of the table is still good -- but would it be blasphemous to remove the top and replace it?
The same goes for the chairs. They're in bad shape. Should I go to the expense of having them repaired and refinished -- or is it OK to get rid of them? And if I do, what can I tell any family member who asks? Thanks, Abby. -- TRASH-OR-TREASURE IN THE TWIN CITIES
DEAR T-OR-T: Stop feeling guilty. Since you do not like or want the "heirlooms," offer them to other family members who might like to have them and restore them. One man's trash is another man's treasure (and vice versa).