Getting ready for the 4th

My family will be coming in for the 4th of July so I have spent a lot of time at my parents getting things cleaned up for company. Unfortunately, it also means that I am pulling out cluttered corners for my Mom to sort through. I put all these things on a table in their livingroom. Dad hates having all the stuff sitting in the livingroom and Mom is working as best she can to sort through things she has had for years. You would think that dealing with this stack of "things" wouldn't be that big of a deal but it has been a very emotional journey for my Mom.
There she sits sorting through piles of things that she bought for that special occasion that never happened. The gift that she thought the kids might love but didn't. The piles of books from her long dead mother who she always felt she was a burden to. The holiday decorations she thought would would transform her home into an oasis for the holiday that never quite worked right. The dreams, ideals, hopes, and even some disapointments sitting on a table waiting to separated into trash, give away, and put away. She says that she knows that having the house clutter free will be a release not to mention easier to clean but she always tears up at this point.
I have wanted to help her several times over the years. All of my sisters have. Throwing and giving away many items over the years. However, I have come to realise that this will always be a journey only she can take. I move the boxes around and haul the stuff away when needed, reminding her that the end goal is worth it.