My mother died last month, not unexpectedly, and there is no great sorrow over the event in my little corner of the world. This is my inheritance.
Yes, that's about it. But this belonged to my grandmother when she was a child, and I have wanted it my entire life.
Just about everything else in the trailer was given to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or friends of acquaintances who could use the items.
Not to be too morbid or fatalistic, but if you're dealing with elderly parents, here are some things you need to know in order to make your life easier when the time comes:
Banking: Bank name and address. Account numbers. Log in information for all accounts: checking, savings, credit card. Also know approximate balances. Also know that Social Security notifies the bank when someone dies, and the accounts are blocked until probate is filed.
Housing: Mortgage holder, including address and contact information, amount of mortgage, property taxes, insurance and common charges due.
Online accounts: Have your parent write down all of their "login information" for sites they use, including Facebook, if applicable, so you can shut down the accounts.
And in some states, notably Florida, if there is any asset, including $100 in a bank account, probate must be filed, even if the estate is worth less than the asset. Filing probate is costly, and they'll tell you you must hire a probate attorney. So, be aware, so you're not caught off guard, as I was!
On a happier note, Dan, Mark and Jeff came to the airport to bring me home, and I was so happy to see all of them there! My dearly beloved refused to get out of bed that day until I came upstairs to rouse him. He had had quite enough of my absence. And Brutus was absolutely ballistic with joy, knocking himself over with the velocity of his wagging tail. I think he's a foot taller in 4 days. Puppies are so much fun!
So, happy Monday, everyone, and I'll be normal again soon!
15 comments:
I'm sorry to hear about your mother, and I am glad you are back. That little stove is fantastic!!
My condolences to you and your family Marjie.
You amaze me, for more than a couple of reasons, but perhaps primarily because you raised yourself as a responsible caring adult, without much in the way of early childhood role models. Glad you're back, glad you got the stove.
Sorry about the dealing with aging parents. I'm at that point and every time I try to bring up finding out all the important stuff, my mom just gets anxious because she doesn't know and my dad says he will get everything together..... someday. I suppose I need to press the point, but the conversation itself is so stressful for me that I need hours of recovery. Sigh. Of course I haven't kept the "in case of emergency" info up to date for my husband, so I'm one to talk.
Sounds like you have a lot going on. Glad you had Bouncy Brutus to lighten the load.
Mango Momma
Marjie, I am so very sorry about your mom. I am glad you got the stove you always wanted.
I am thankful for the tips because my folks are getting older and my sisters and I need to be prepared.
I'm so sorry.
Sorry to hear about your mom
Snorts,
Benny & Lily
Sorry for your loss, and sorry for the trouble you apparently had in the matter... Have you no siblings?
When you experience such not so nice things, it is always wonderful to come home. Great to be happily welcomed by boys and puppy, and even grumpy hubs.. Grumpy in a good way, I suspect..
Sorry about the loss of your mother and the problems dealing with the results. Nigel has recently had the problem with two aged aunts who kept everything to their selves, paper was piled high with no filing system and we had to track down everything. It was a nightmare.
Take care Diane
That little stove is awesome! I'm so glad it's yours now. Thanks for the list. I do believe I shall cut and paste and email my mother... Hem.
I'm delighted that you had darling Brutus to come home to too. He sure is a cutie.
What a great family heirloom!
I'm glad you're back home and hopefully done with this...
Love to your (big) little guy!
Ahh yes, the little stove brings back memories. My grandparents raised me as their own, yet when my grandmother died, my horde of greedy cousins cleaned out her apartment. I have one little planter of hers. They got the furniture, jewelry, bank accounts, stocks and everything else.
Doesn't matter because I have the better memories.
Sorry about your Mom. I have all of that info written down for our executor to use.
Aaw what a sweet little stove!
I'm sorry about your mum, even if it was expected, it is always so definite when it finally happens!
I don't think you are being morbid at all Marjie. Marion and I talk about this stuff all the time since she does live with me.
So sorry to hear about your mom. I must say though that "inheritance" is priceless when you think about how long it has been around and who it belonged to especially since you are such an avid seamstress:)
I'm sure everyone, including Brutus, was thrilled to have you home again. Isn't Florida brutal this time of year?
Thanks for sharing, Marjie, So glad things will be back to "normal'?
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