One of my earliest memories is when my Uncle John died intestate (without a will), and the whole family went ballistic. It was a very strong message for me. I take care of all the finances, as that is my background, and have told my husband and daughters where to find everything. Thanks for the reminder about cemetery plots, though. One of those things I’ve put off until tomorrow!
I've read a lot of these lists, but yours is far and away the most well-organized and easy to follow. Also, I love it that you took your grandfather's books.
A good image, but that's not exactly it. One of his failed ventures was a bookstore, and in that venture he acquired a 20-volume set of Authors Digest, one of 32 copies with Twain's signature on one of his less familiar stories. But it always made me feel closer to my hero (not my grandfather).
I have a lot to do to prepare for my own death. But I'm grateful that my parents were better prepared for theirs. When Dad died, Mom already had a handle on his affairs because they shared financial, fiscal, and other responsibilities. About 2 years before Mom died, she got her house in order and made sure I knew where everything was - documents, accounts, policies, funeral plans, etc. Though losing her 4 years ago was hard, I was able to do everything necessary to plan her services and settle her accounts, because she had prepared me.
One of my earliest memories is when my Uncle John died intestate (without a will), and the whole family went ballistic. It was a very strong message for me. I take care of all the finances, as that is my background, and have told my husband and daughters where to find everything. Thanks for the reminder about cemetery plots, though. One of those things I’ve put off until tomorrow!
At least you learned the lesson from previous family trauma.
I've read a lot of these lists, but yours is far and away the most well-organized and easy to follow. Also, I love it that you took your grandfather's books.
I couldn't pass up the one autographed by Mark Twain!
I'm imagining your grandfather sidling up to Twain in 1900 at the equivalent of Barnes and Noble. Is that for real?
A good image, but that's not exactly it. One of his failed ventures was a bookstore, and in that venture he acquired a 20-volume set of Authors Digest, one of 32 copies with Twain's signature on one of his less familiar stories. But it always made me feel closer to my hero (not my grandfather).
I have a lot to do to prepare for my own death. But I'm grateful that my parents were better prepared for theirs. When Dad died, Mom already had a handle on his affairs because they shared financial, fiscal, and other responsibilities. About 2 years before Mom died, she got her house in order and made sure I knew where everything was - documents, accounts, policies, funeral plans, etc. Though losing her 4 years ago was hard, I was able to do everything necessary to plan her services and settle her accounts, because she had prepared me.
She set a great example!
My desk looks like the one in your photo. That's probably the first of my loose ends I need to tie up.
Unfortunately, I find the desk cleanup is only temporary. Disorder promptly returns.
Sound advice— especially the part about having Van Morrison played as my closing number.
I've always pictured a Celtic funeral barge floating out to sea.
Floating out to sea and into… the mystic
Great advice. I appreciate the reference to the Talmud. Thank you.
It's a highly quotable source.
Excellent practical advice!
Thanks, Abby!