Laura's Corner
I work very hard and am attending college to obtain my degree in the Human Service field. Writing makes me feel alive and gives me the opportunity to touch those whom I would not be able to otherwise. Last but not least, I have been blessed with two amazing daughters who love me completely and support my dreams. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or feedback.
What's in your closet?
If someone were to search through your personal belongings, what would they find? A wallet, identification, credit card, possibly some change?
How about your desk at work? If you took a gander in mine, one would find files, books, CD’s, a newspaper or two, drink mix, soup and assorted odds and ends. I also have some perfume for the just in case times. Other than that, it’s pretty boring.
Let’s say today is your last day. Your life is done as you know it. Your family now has the hard work of sorting your prized possessions. Digging through your attic, closets and dresser drawers, what do they find? Are you embarrassed; it is something you wish no-one had ever seen? Could it be that you had a secret life, something similar to James Bond? Have you hidden your deepest darkest secrets within the walls of your home, hoping to someday destroy the evidence? If you haven’t done so, I suggest you do it now.
Each day is a gift, or curse, each one of us holds secrets that we do not desire to be made public. Which of us doesn’t want our obituary to say, “She was a good woman, served her country, love all children and small animals”, instead of, “She had a closet full of stuff so shocking there will be 10 novels written following this obituary.”
Not sure about you, but I prefer my secrets kept hidden, buried, burned in the campfire. There are some things about my life that I would rather take to the pearly gates than allow my family to gain knowledge of.
How many times have we heard of Aunt Suzie having a secret love child? Given up at birth after her stay in the Catholic school way up north?
Many of us will not have that heart wrenching a story, yet there are so many other experiences best left in the past.
What we leave behind is not something which will cross our minds once we depart. If negative information or possessions come to light, our loved ones will bear the burden. Not sure if anyone wants their children to remember them as Cheater Sam or S&M Sally.
If you have anything in your life which may cause grief or pain upon your passing, I suggest purging sooner than later. If you have a collection of anything which would bring embarrassment to your children, dispose of that as well. Any ideas, thoughts or behaviors which are causing loved ones to cry should be tossed also. If you have noticed family members keeping their distance, they may have been doing so to protect themselves from you. Your words and actions may have caused wounds. I remember a family member always “telling it like it is”. That person had few friends, children, sisters or brothers who kept in regular contact.
The minute you begin your internal and external housecleaning, discomfort will set in. Your mind and body have been in hoarding mode for quite some time. You will feel that you need whatever you are holding on to as if your life is depending on it. Finding a trusted friend to assist you in your process will help you get further than you could ever imagine.
No worries about the Grandfather clock, diamond rings or china set. Think of this as your mental and emotional insurance policy. A clear conscience is the single greatest possession within your Final Will and Testament. Write it wisely.
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