What would you do?

I have a bit of a quandary and am having a hell of a time deciding on my course of action.

I have a friend with a reef ready 90 gallon AGA w/ stand and canopy, an AquaC II w/ all the probes that are available for that model, and about 3 boxes of odds and ends all associated with the hobby. Stuff like pumps, an RO/DI etc. I was buying it all piece by piece and already have paid for the dual 250 MH that was in it. He came by my job last night with a drastic price slash that only a fool would pass up. $350 for all that is left of his set up. I have no cash atm and told him I had to pass.
Here's where the issue gets sticky. He knows I inherited all of my fathers fishing/hunting equipment when he passed. My friend made me this offer...
Trade him my fathers Clam II hut, 12v Electric ice auger, sled, catalytic propane heater, 4 rods/reels and an AquaView underwater camera my dad bought me for Christmas the year before he passed.
I really want that stuff before it is gone and since I totaled my truck in August, I won't be doing any ice fishing this winter anyway. But a part of me is hollering guilty disrespect and dishonor if I trade off my fathers things.
I have until Friday to decide before he posts on Craigslist.
What would you do? What should I do?

 

Do what makes YOU happy...That is what your father would want I'm sure

 

it sounds to me like your leaning towards doing the trading... and honestly this is something that you have to do for yourself!

Think of this though: how much will you miss your father's sentimental materials? will you feel regret while your trading them, or even in a few years after you trade them?

 

reefmonkey, I lost my dad just about 1 year ago, I could not part with his stuff. Will you ever use it or is it just sentimental either way, other equipment deals will come and go, but you get rid of your fathers stuff just once. :-/

 

I wouldn't give it up, but it's up to you. He's not here now and may he R.I.P., but I think that you should keep it if has memories in it

 

I believe you need to do what makes you happy. If you can look at this tank and know your father helped you get it, then I say go for it. another thought, if you dont plan on using it, then no sense and letting it go to waste. I would however hold on to something of his. I know I would.

 

Objects will always be objects....sentimental value is in ur heart, and whether or not you have the items in hand, you will always remember your father with your heart , and u can't trade that for anything in the world

 

You only have one dad and equipment for this hobby is made every day and upgraded as much. I have quilts and afgans hand made by my mom and my wife gets onto me for not useing them. But i know what would happen over time, also had a pineapple table cloth hand made. It was being used and 9 years has proven to be the life of it. It can never be replaced. IMO i would wish him well on craigslist.

 

agree 100% its an extremely hard choice....one that I dont look forward to. but I do know that I keep my fathers memories in my heart. Every time I Hunt or fish I think of him.

 

Reef Monkey

the fact that its bothering you today
tells me, it will bother you even more in the future if you trade

there are always going to be other deals
but what you have now, thats irreplaceable in my honest opinion

Steve