There is no right or wrong. Your wife is in heaven, where she doesn't need all those material things. We all felt the guilt, and asked ourselves if it was right or not. If in your heart you felt it was the right thing to do, then you did what your wife wouldve wanted you to do. She wouldnt want you holding on to those "things", when she can't and doesnt need them, and would want them going to someone who would enjoy and do things with, and appreciate them. Be gentle on yourself, and quit worrying about what others think, because there is no right or wrong to what you do or say, everyone grieves differently. Much love and hugs carla

Hector, That was okay, and good that you gave your wife's sewing machine and craft materials to her sister, and you will always have the cherished memories to look at your wedding pictures.
Hugs, Nanette

I think you did a wonderful thing, and I am sure her sisters really appreciate it. I am glqad you held on to some things - you will want a few things for yourself.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

I agree, there's no "right or wrong" decision; you need to do what is right for you. Sharing some of her belongings with other family members who can use them is really thoughtful of you.

Hi Hector. I am sure that her sisters are happy with having her things. My mom and I both loved sewing. One of the most beautiful gifts I ever got was when my dad gave me her thread collection after she passed away. The was very extensive..............I believe that it contained one of every color imaginable! Even now, six years later, whatever I have to stitch, I am pretty sure I can find the color I need. It brings me happy memories of my mom every time I use it and I like to think that everything I stitch has a little bit of Mom in it.

As for my husband, I gave quite a bit of his things to either our sons or to the Vietnam Veterans of America. (Since my husband was a Vietnam vet, it seemed appropriate). I couldn't see the point of hanging on to things I don't need when they can be useful to someone else. I still have plenty of pictures and other things of his. I think the right thing is whatever feels right to you.

Sylvia

Hector,
It is true that there is no "right or wrong" in any of this grieving process. I think it is wonderful that you shared your wife's materials and sewing machine with her sisters and clothes and other items with others. She was done with them, and I am sure others have appreciated your generosity. Feel good about what you have done. Your wife would have been proud of you.
Roxanne

I also think along the same lines. I use the rationale my husband loved hunting and farming,He loved his boy toys, if someone else can get use or joy for them they found a good home. They are objects my husband used I hold the memories that made them special, the objects are reminders not the memories.

There's no right or wrong when it comes to what we do with the things left behind when our loved ones pass. They no longer have need of them so they are ours to keep or give away as we see fit. Things do evoke memories. My grandfather's pocket knife reminds me of time spent with him on the back porch as he'd cut an apple and share it along with stories of his boyhood. My dad's hand saw as he taught me to build things and enjoy working with my hands as well as my head and heart. Thru my mom's paintings I learned to see the beauty of nature thru her eyes as it flowed from her brush. Most recently I replaced some boards on my girlfriend's (also widowed) deck. As I held those old rusty nails, each one touched and lovingly driven by her husband just for her, I got to know a little better and appreciate the great guy that she's told me so much about.
I've given away most of my wife's things. Others now enjoy them and that makes me happy. The few I've kept are things that evoke happy memories. In truth though, all these things could disappear and I'd still be fine. I've got those memories tucked away and I can take them out and enjoy or share them anytime I feel like it. Those are a permanent part of me. So, pass along and keep whatever you wish. Do that in your own time and know that no matter what happens in your future, you'll always have those memories with or without the things. What sustains us and helps us as we move forward in this life are those memories.
Peace and ((hugs))
~John

This second guessing everything i do is driving me insane. I have the hardest times with decisions I am sure if you wanted them back her sister would give them back..I have not been able to give my husbands clothes away they are still in his dresser and i still have his ashes on my headboard. With this blown up picture of him smiling at me after we had our daughter on his birthday too.

I think it's wonderful that you shared her treasure with her sisters. They mourn to and having her things may help them recover. My friend is a crafter as well and it sounds corny but she took my husband's favorite shirt and built me a pillow from it... It was the best Christmas present I could have received this year. It helped to remember how big he really was and help wipe away the thin memory's of the last 4 months.

As others have said, there is no right and no wrong with dealing with having to let go. You can't use it yourself so I believe that giving it to her sister who can is a good thing. As someone who sews myself, I can pretty much guarantee that when her sister sews with the supplies you gave her, her heart will be filled of memories from your wife.
I gave most of my husband cloths and shoes to my brother-in-law who was honoured to have and wear them. In insight I wish I had kept his jeans because of projects I have since done. From some of his clothing I made some rag quilts for my son and his sister and currently working on a crazy patch quilt for myself. From his wacky t-shirt collection I have made a fleece lined quilt for my daughter.
We can't hold on to every material things but as long as we hold on to the memories we are good.
You can let go of the guilt my friend, for you it was the right thing to do.