By: Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Boise, Idaho
I inherited the oldest item I own, an Egyptian scarab. It came with a story from my Cousin Kathie who died at age 99.
A British soldier was in Egypt helping the English government empty (loot) the pyramid tomb. He was told if he stole any items he would be severely punished. Carrying items out of the tomb, he dropped a scarab. His hands were full, so he just picked it up and put it in his pocket. Later that day he found it in his pocket and was too frightened to report it. The soldier ended up being a neighbor to my great grandfather. The soldier had no family when he died. My grandfather purchased the house and all its contents. My great-grandfather had the scarab made into a man’s ring and gave it as a wedding present to his daughter’s husband.
I received the ring with the story attached.
What a difference it made to have the story. The ring is worn, and would have had little meaning to me without the story.
Have you created a list of personal items you want to pass on when you die? Have you added stories about each item?
A great example is reflected in the “Lighthouse Keeper” video that is on my website. It is a 12-minute video showing the powerful effect of providing stories with the items you pass on. To watch it, go to my website: www.SeniorEdgeLegal.com. Click on “Resources” and you will then find a button to select to watch the video.
Your stories are worth more than your money, so take the time to write them down now.