Surprise, surprise, no flight delays! I think that may be a first. We did hit some turbulence, and other flights were delayed, but Southwest got three stars from me. I rarely fly them, but I’m happy we did this time.
So this weekend was kind of weird. Like I said, we went down South pack up Uncle SlickG’s deceased friend’s (Paul) townhouse. It was very odd to go through this man’s personal belongings. Here we were deciding what was important to keep and what wasn’t. It just got to me. I am a saver (I do try not to be, but it’s in my blood) and J is definitely a saver. Someday, someone is going to be going through our stuff and saying, now why the hell did she save this essay from 6th grade? Or why was J saving all these cassette tapes when he can’t even play them anymore? Granted, Uncle SlickG could probably have hired a company to go through his stuff and discard/sell, but I almost think that’s worse. We actually walked away still with a ton of stuff (I hesitate to say crap, because to him it was the most worldly possessions) that is in storage at our house in Danville and Uncle SlickG will someday have to go through as he figures out Paul’s estate.
Besides those deep thoughts, this whole experience has pushed J and I a little further along in our will-making process. Not that we’ve run out and made one yet, but it is creeping up on our to-do list. Paul had a will and made Uncle SlickG the executor. Lots of responsibility, but Uncle SlickG is taking his role seriously. Minor problem, though, no one can find the will. Let me put it simply, no will, lots of roadblocks.
But still, here’s to Paulie. The man who loved outdoor adventure and road trips, Civil War and computer books and saving things. Thank you for being so clean and organized. Now if you could just send us a sign where your will may be (I swear, we’ve checked everywhere).
On a lighter note, we spent all of 5 hours in Danville unloading, showering, scarfing down pizza with friends and realizing the house next to us was broken into AGAIN in the past month (but not ours! ADT is built to protect!). Moonshine and his wife Prom Queen drove us to the airport and had us laughing the whole time. Many of you have heard stories of our friend Moonshine. Now we have some more.
Good entry! God bless you, Paulie!
I highly, highly recommend the Quicken Willmaker Plus software. Buy this from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Quicken-Willmaker-Plus-2008-Essentials/dp/1413307167/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1222871626&sr=8-1. It is only $31.49 with free shipping. Trust me, the book comes with the software. I can't understand why the software alone costs more, but anyway. I researched this quite a bit and the laws in PA are pretty simple. You don't even need to have your will notorized. You just need 2 witnesses to sign. If you have simple needs, please look at this software. It was great for us because you can create a will (as well as power of attorney, health directive, and other docs if needed) for you AND your spouse. Even legalzoom.com was crazy expensive compared to this. The only downside is that the software is only good for the year that you buy it. Say something happens to the people that I named gaurdians next year and I need to make a change. I think that I would need to buy the software again or at least an update. But, when you compare the price for the software to what an attorney would charge per hour, I still think I'm making out. The wills were very easy to create and it also automatically prints out a letter to your executor with instructions, including your SS# and all names, addresses and phone numbers of people mentioned in the will. You can also print copies (don't sign these) with a watermark that says copy that you can send to the people mentioned in your will. I am amazed at how many of my friends with kids have no will–do it for your kids people!!
PS – I am very sorry for your loss.
PPS – No, they are not paying me!
Paulie…. you will be missed!!