$dad=Sr $dad=Sr -> $son=Jr $dad=Newt; Sr -> $son=Jr Sr no longer referenced, but not destroyed yet. DESTROYing dad: Sr $dad=Newt -> $son=Jr; (Sr destroyed) Young never really referenced, but not destroyed yet. $dad=Newt -> Young; $son=Jr DESTROYing son: Young DESTROYing dad: Newt $dad=Fin; $son=Jr (Newt -> Young destroyed) Rest to be destroyed next. DESTROYing son: Jr DESTROYing dad: Fin Everything destroyed above.