Going through my mom’s old paperwork

[Anonymous]

Check registers, auto maintenance, insurance policies, old work Rolodex, you name it. It just all seems so pointless. We spend so much time doing all this stuff in life and then it’s just a heap of crap. One day my kids will be looking at my old paperwork (which is at least better organized) and be thinking the same thing, I’m sure.

There’s some stuff with sentimental value, so at least there’s that.

[Anonymous]

People don’t keep paper copies of things anymore…

[Anonymous]

I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

[Anonymous]

On a related note, did you ever find embarrassing paperwork after a parent passed away? I just learned that years ago, my mom was fired from a job for insubordination, whereas she told me she quit. I won’t share this with anyone else, but it was sad to read all the back and forth about it.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine found her adoption paperwork. She didn't know she was adopted. She was in her 50s at the time. Her mom was in her 80s and in the beginning stages of dementia.

[Anonymous]

We found some "dirty magazines" my dad had hidden and some topless photos of his former girlfriend!

[Anonymous]

A scarf with sexual positions illustrated, ugh. My son was helping clear the closet. Never let your children help. Lol.

[Anonymous]

It is pointless. Don’t keep it fir your kids throw it away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

Try to reframe it. It isn't the futility of life, it's collecting the detritus of life that is futile.

But I get your point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

Try to reframe it. It isn't the futility of life, it's collecting the detritus of life that is futile.

But I get your point.

So it’s not really about the paperwork, more the actions behind it. We spend so much time setting up homes, getting cars, going to school, working. And then it’s done and so what? Maybe I’ve been to too many funerals lately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don’t keep paper copies of things anymore…

You should keep paper copies of important things as backup--like wills, deeds, etc. You should not keep junk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

Try to reframe it. It isn't the futility of life, it's collecting the detritus of life that is futile.

But I get your point.

So it’s not really about the paperwork, more the actions behind it. We spend so much time setting up homes, getting cars, going to school, working. And then it’s done and so what? Maybe I’ve been to too many funerals lately.

Well what else are you supposed to do? Sit around and mull death all day. No. You form relationships, have children, you need employment for a paycheck. And all the sudden you have paperwork!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don’t keep paper copies of things anymore…

Many do. Stop projecting your own experience onto the entire population. Bubble boy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

I felt something similar going through my mom's stuff.

Objects that she has used and treasured...none of us wanted. We had no room for it. And most of it had no meaning to us, let alone our kids.

It made me kind of depressed, like how quickly you are forgotten. Your mark is stamped out. I assumed it took a few generations...but it seems to be like one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was talking more about the futility of life than the actual paperwork.

I felt something similar going through my mom's stuff.

Objects that she has used and treasured...none of us wanted. We had no room for it. And most of it had no meaning to us, let alone our kids.

It made me kind of depressed, like how quickly you are forgotten. Your mark is stamped out. I assumed it took a few generations...but it seems to be like one.

Agree it is sad. Part of that is because most of us are now from generations that have much more disposable income along with conspicuous consumption. Things don't mean as much because they are easily replaced by the more trendy, more expensive or more technologically advanced items.

Older generations placed greater value on some things because they were "once in a lifetime" purchases and were considered a precious investment. Look at any thrift store now and you will see shelves upon shelves of beautiful old china sets that no one wants anymore. It makes me sad to think of so many women who may have sacrificed or strictly budgeted to acquire them for their families to use and cherish. Now they are collecting dust in a junk store.