Also, I agree that it can feel a bit creepy to be sorting through someone else's earthy treasures. But on the other hand, everything I've purchased at an estate sale gives me pause, and I *always* think of them when I use that item. Knives, grills, skillets, pans, cufflinks, tool boxes, tools. To me, that's a tribute. I hope someone thinks as much of my life and my stuff when I am gone...
I am sitting at a desk right now, which I purchased from an adult son... belonged to his mother and father, and he helped me load it into the station wagon and I shook his hand and thanked him for it. I have her stainless steel pan in the kitchen, too, and I think of her every time I cook for my family with it.