I was married and have four kids so I know how you can accumulate a lot of stuff, much of which is VERY special. I, myself have a really extensive record collection and several thousand White Sox baseball cards (many pretty old). If, I lost that stuff it would hurt, but like you said it's just stuff. Thankfully, you and your family are alright!!
This was very heartwarming to read, what your friend and the White Sox did. Waaaay cool.