I am sure that she is not 'writing herself off'; but is taking the time to make some choices. When a crisis happens,(heart attack, stroke, cancer etc.) life as you know it is over. It is totally different. That is not to say that she is giving up, but that her whole perspective on what's important has changed.
I used to always say that I needed to get my priorities in order, but never could. When my husband had his stroke; all my little ducks lined up in a row and I never had to question which was the most important thing. That was 12 1/2 yrs. ago, and I still hold this as true.
I'm sure that she just realizes that the 'things' in her life just aren't as important as what she once thought they were. Therefore, she is able to part with them. I also am sure she is looking for a 'thank-you' and maybe even a note that would include a memory of what she sent you!