I spent the day reviewing letter, photos, organizing old papers that hold my family history. I enjoy the research involved and want my children and grandchildren to know the stories of who came before them and to whom they owe so much. When I held my great grandfather's letters to my great grandmother and read his words, saw his hand writing, I realized what a gift I held. He was a writer, a poet and an early newspaper man. He traveled where the Chicago Record, the World-H

"EULA! Look at this. Right here. It's Miss Victoria. She's dead" Eula looks up from her ironing. "When that happen? It was in the church blletin" Linda Mae poked the newspaper with her finger, "I know. Says here the funeral was yesterday. Yesterday! Can you believe it? And they didn't even have the manners to tell us. Just wait until I call Julia. I bet they didn't tell her either! Some people just don't have any bringing-up!" from Death for Beginners by Karen J

This getting clutter cleared up and out, going through closets and drawers is so time consuming. I want to be outside. Playing. But I am in my house going through cupboards selecting duplicate pans, extra vases, plates I don't even enjoy and making piles of things to offer our children with the promise to myself to box up the kids' rejects for our favorite donation organization. Nothing is allowed back in the cupboards. I am finding it rather refreshing to see space in cup

This is the day we remember, honor, thank our mothers for all they gave us - unconditional love, support, direction, style, education, a periodic kick in the butt to get on with live and not to take ourselves so seriously. It's also a time to think about our mom's stories and history. Do you know them? What are your questions for your mom? Is she still here to ask? Don't wait too long or it will never happen. Then it is too late. I am the keeper of the family history and t

Another choice obit! "She had no hobbies, made no contribution to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life. I speak for the majority of her family when I say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed and there will be no lamenting over her passing." Obituary, Galveston, Texas Please let me find the words to write my own. Can you imagine your family writing this about your years here on this earth?

Spending time with my aunt and uncle, both in their 80's, was a reminder of the gift of friendship they have shared with us our entire married life. They have always been our mentors, guides, listening posts on this marriage adventure. They are 12 years ahead of us in this marriage experience, life journey. They have led by example, laughter, tears and hugs. The connection runs deep. Last week we visited them and were able to tell them, again, how important their friendshi

I like the idea of writing my own obituary. And now I am reading them to find ones that give me ideas of how I'd like to be remembered. For the next few posts I plan on sharing some of the best introductions or comments I have come across. My hope is they will motivate you to at least outline your own and get it written before 2019. " It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day but that's simply not something I wante

Some will listen. Some won't. So what? Do what is best for you. You may have a grand plan and expectations of what you think your family needs to do to execute your plan. Terrific. Write it down. Discuss this plan of yours - how they can help you down size, how you want to be treated when you are ill, who you would like to have your great grandfather's watch. Ask for help. Ask for ideas. Then be quiet. Do not pester your family to complete your plan. They are processing t