Hi Tricia - again, I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this!

You were given a *gift* - the guitar - the original gift-giver (your sister) is NOT entitled to have it back because your brother is no longer with us. It is YOURS and YOU may dispose of it in any manner you choose.

I am NOT a lawyer - I just watch a lot of Judge Judy.
You've contacted her several times - I'd say that's enough, and if you think the guitar might fetch a good price at a used musical instrument store or even a pawn shop - go for it.

Any other gifts that were given to you? They are also YOURS to dispose of - the gift-giver does NOT have right of first refusal, unless a * written contract* is involved. (Waaaaay too much Judge Judy!

)
A *contract* is a written agreement - not, "If you ever get rid of this, I want it back."
I know it seems decent and kind - but it's you, taking it on the chin *again* in being conditioned to be a Scapegoat with NO boundaries.

Since you're clearing out clutter, you might have room for the book, "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend - which can be purchased on Amazon, in various formats.

You'll understand that your need to be decent, kind and fair was *warped* - and learn what good boundaries are - the simple things you should have known all along, but nobody taught you, because they wouldn't know a boundary if they fell over it.
And you'll learn that the stuff in your house is *yours* - unless *specifically on-loan* or owned by another with a *written contract, stipulating such* (okay - that's more Judge Judy, but you get the idea

) - and you *don't NEED to ASK anybody if you can donate it, sell it, put it at the curb.*
And if anybody (your sister) asks what happened to the guitar, she is not OWED an explanation. She had her chance. She chose to string you along. She lost her chance.

"It's gone..."

is the only explanation required, and if she tries pitching a fit about it, that's not your problem, because *you are not responsible for her emotions OR her lack of action.*

Focus on what makes *you* happy and don't worry about items your FOO might want, or want back (gifts) - once a gift is a gift, it is YOURS to do with, as you please.

And it makes keeping NC a *lot* easier.
