FREDERICTON - Gerry Carroll, a retired sales representative from Riverview, N.B., received the devastating news of a terminal cancer diagnosis in December 2023. After visiting his family doctor about a concerning “gurgling” sound in his stomach, a scan revealed the presence of malignant polyps, resulting in the shocking prognosis of only months to live.
Initially struggling to accept this diagnosis, Gerry quickly focused on his extensive collection of possessions amassed over nearly six decades. His wife, Mary Carroll, humorously referred to him as a “hoarder,” while Gerry described himself as having an “acquisition problem,” acknowledging that his garage was overflowing with items such as scooters, speakers, books, cassettes, movies, televisions, VCRs, power tools, and clothing. “You name it, I have it,” he quipped, referring to the “conglomeration of acquired goodies.”
In addition to his personal collection, Gerry took on the challenge of clearing out a neighbor’s apartment when they moved to a nursing home, joking that it “almost ended 59 years of wedded bliss.” This sparked concern for him regarding how Mary would cope with all of his belongings after his passing.
Inspired by a British practice of selling items from vehicles, Gerry decided to organize his own sales. He shared this idea on social media, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. A property owner in Moncton, N.B., generously offered Gerry an empty lot to facilitate his sales. As he embarks on his second weekend of selling, Gerry plans to hold a bazaar every weekend until he has disposed of his excess possessions.
With this endeavor, Gerry hopes to relieve some of the burden from his wife, providing her “peace and quiet” after he is gone. He clarified that he would not touch their personal items or keepsakes from their daughter, emphasizing the importance of those cherished memories.
Gerry and Mary Carroll met on January 25, 1965, at a dance in Bible Hill, N.S. Mary recalls initially disliking Gerry, thinking he and his friend were show-offs. Despite rejecting his offers for rides home multiple times, she eventually agreed to go home with him, marking the start of their journey together that would lead to nearly six decades of marriage.
As her husband faces the challenges of terminal cancer, Mary is learning to take things one day at a time. Although she isn’t thrilled about Gerry’s collecting habits, she acknowledges that selling these items might be a positive distraction for him. “It’s something, I guess, that keeps his mind occupied,” she stated.
For Gerry, these sales have become a way to connect with others, share a laugh, and generate some income. As he reflects on his life, he finds joy in his family, mentioning he is “82 years old, married for 59 years, with a daughter and three beautiful grandchildren.” In his view, that is “about as good as it gets.”
This heartwarming yet poignant story encapsulates Gerry Carroll's journey as he grapples with his diagnosis while attempting to ensure his wife is not overwhelmed with his accumulated possessions. His proactive approach to decluttering not only reflects his affection for Mary but also highlights the importance of community and connection during difficult times.
