Mortal Remains
All that's left: mother/daughter monologues27 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Liz,
Well, first things first, what are you leaving me? LOL.
I'm glad you are in good health, and this is pure fiction.
You know, when my wife and I are gone, our youngest son has already told us... he's going to rent a big hopper and just start chucking. My wife won't throw anything out. She keeps old yarn, out-of-fashion clothes, bachelor socks, knick-knacks galore, etc.
Poor Lauren gets the dirty job. Yard sale... 3 for $10!
You should give her some extra reward... leave a bag of money in a special old wooden box in your panty drawer. The boys won't look there. So it will be all Lauren's.
I plan on living until I'm 100 years old. So I've got a little more than 28 years left! Oh joy!
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Hi Liz,
Well, first things first, what are you leaving me? LOL.
I'm glad you are in good health, and this is pure fiction.
You know, when my wife and I are gone, our youngest son has already told us... he's going to rent a big hopper and just start chucking. My wife won't throw anything out. She keeps old yarn, out-of-fashion clothes, bachelor socks, knick-knacks galore, etc.
Poor Lauren gets the dirty job. Yard sale... 3 for $10!
You should give her some extra reward... leave a bag of money in a special old wooden box in your panty drawer. The boys won't look there. So it will be all Lauren's.
I plan on living until I'm 100 years old. So I've got a little more than 28 years left! Oh joy!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 01-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
Comment from Theodore McDowell
I love it when you revive a great post, Liz. Great stuff. I'm traveling so don't have time for extensive review, but wanted to give a thumbs up and also I hope all is well on the other side.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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I love it when you revive a great post, Liz. Great stuff. I'm traveling so don't have time for extensive review, but wanted to give a thumbs up and also I hope all is well on the other side.
Comment Written 30-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
All is well on the other side--I've posted most of my portfolio there already.
Comment from Judy Lawless
Well I'm glad to know this was first posted over a year ago, Liz. Otherwise I might have thought you were really sick and worried about your demise. LOL I often wonder about the same things you've addressed in this piece, although I don't tend to hold onto seldom worn clothes for long. I'm sure it will all be taken care of for me once I'm gone, just like Lauren took care of yours in this scenario. lol Well done.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Well I'm glad to know this was first posted over a year ago, Liz. Otherwise I might have thought you were really sick and worried about your demise. LOL I often wonder about the same things you've addressed in this piece, although I don't tend to hold onto seldom worn clothes for long. I'm sure it will all be taken care of for me once I'm gone, just like Lauren took care of yours in this scenario. lol Well done.
Comment Written 29-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by, Judy! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
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I can relate to it these days, Liz, but I wasn't feeling it when I was 65. Passing the 70 mark seems to have brought new aches and pains. lol
Comment from Mary Vigasin
A very thought-provoking and well-written work. Our 'stuff" defines our identity, that we were here and who we are. But to others, it is merely a chore of having to clear out the "stuff" that we hang on to so dearly.
Having no children, I am in a slight tug of war with my husband to get rid of our overflowing "stuff," he is reluctant but he at least is willing to chew around the edges to clear things out.
It was good to read again your work.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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A very thought-provoking and well-written work. Our 'stuff" defines our identity, that we were here and who we are. But to others, it is merely a chore of having to clear out the "stuff" that we hang on to so dearly.
Having no children, I am in a slight tug of war with my husband to get rid of our overflowing "stuff," he is reluctant but he at least is willing to chew around the edges to clear things out.
It was good to read again your work.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 29-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by, Mary! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
Comment from Wendy G
I enjoyed reading this because it was so cleverly done, with wit and a certain self-deprecation re all you have lived for and found valuable throughout this life on earth. We absolutely cannot take any of our "junk" with us, and, in my case at least, no-one else will want it. The answer is to hold them loosely in an open hand, not to set our hearts on such treasures. I hope that at least they will treasure a memory of me, and know they were loved. It's well-written, and comes with your own characteristic style.
Wendy
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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I enjoyed reading this because it was so cleverly done, with wit and a certain self-deprecation re all you have lived for and found valuable throughout this life on earth. We absolutely cannot take any of our "junk" with us, and, in my case at least, no-one else will want it. The answer is to hold them loosely in an open hand, not to set our hearts on such treasures. I hope that at least they will treasure a memory of me, and know they were loved. It's well-written, and comes with your own characteristic style.
Wendy
Comment Written 29-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by, Wendy! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario. You have a wise attitude!
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Liz,
It's good to hear from you again. I've been giving a lot more thought to what I want to have happen to my things. The boys had commented on possibly getting the boat, but that would be like condemning them to an eternal hole in the water for their money to reside. They also mentioned my fishing permits, but it wouldn't be fair to give the boys them and the girls get nothing that could be really valuable. I do a blog post and I have three books that the kids can look at if they want to remember something. As for some of the other stuff I have, living in Alaska, it is so expensive to transport things, most of it will probably be sold and the money divided up. This was an interesting story gal. Did you indeed have cancer? I have a hard time determining that which is real and that which is fiction. Well done gal.
Stay safe. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Hello Liz,
It's good to hear from you again. I've been giving a lot more thought to what I want to have happen to my things. The boys had commented on possibly getting the boat, but that would be like condemning them to an eternal hole in the water for their money to reside. They also mentioned my fishing permits, but it wouldn't be fair to give the boys them and the girls get nothing that could be really valuable. I do a blog post and I have three books that the kids can look at if they want to remember something. As for some of the other stuff I have, living in Alaska, it is so expensive to transport things, most of it will probably be sold and the money divided up. This was an interesting story gal. Did you indeed have cancer? I have a hard time determining that which is real and that which is fiction. Well done gal.
Stay safe. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 28-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by, Tom! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
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It was good to hear from you Liz. I'm heading to Hoonah on Saturday, God willing, so I'll be gone from here till I get back, whenever that is. Guess I'll check in with you then.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I hate having missed your previous posts, but I'm happy to catch it now. I can't image worrying about inheritance. My parents are fairly wealthy. Dad passed away a few years ago. Of course, Mom got everything. My brother helped her settle things. There's only the two of us. He commented to me once, "That old lady is worth a lot of money." Neither one of us are worried about what will happen when Mom dies, she's 90. We're both satisfied that we have her memories.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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I hate having missed your previous posts, but I'm happy to catch it now. I can't image worrying about inheritance. My parents are fairly wealthy. Dad passed away a few years ago. Of course, Mom got everything. My brother helped her settle things. There's only the two of us. He commented to me once, "That old lady is worth a lot of money." Neither one of us are worried about what will happen when Mom dies, she's 90. We're both satisfied that we have her memories.
Comment Written 28-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario. Wise attitude!
Comment from strandregs
Splendid Liz
I've already been told this :
Everything is going to be tossed.
Disgusting these blank brain children.
Better sell all the stuff and take the money with you to the other side.
As they say.
Where there's a will there's a way.
That's funny right?
Where there's a will there's a way.
Traumatic read indeed. :-))Z.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Splendid Liz
I've already been told this :
Everything is going to be tossed.
Disgusting these blank brain children.
Better sell all the stuff and take the money with you to the other side.
As they say.
Where there's a will there's a way.
That's funny right?
Where there's a will there's a way.
Traumatic read indeed. :-))Z.
Comment Written 28-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
Comment from jessizero
I enjoyed reading this piece. I hold different beliefs than those in your story, but I can relate. My grandmother just passed away, and we are all about to face cleaning out her possessions. It won't be nearly as interesting as your story, I am sure. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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I enjoyed reading this piece. I hold different beliefs than those in your story, but I can relate. My grandmother just passed away, and we are all about to face cleaning out her possessions. It won't be nearly as interesting as your story, I am sure. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 28-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Thanks for stopping by! I would have preferred to give myself another 20 years! I'm 65 and in good health but often ruminate about this so I took the pessimistic route. A lot of people can relate to this scenario.
Comment from karenina
Hey you! I'm always thrilled when I see you've brought forward a work... More delighted when it's one I haven't read, and I get to comment anew!
This is my kind of script. Mom/Daughter monologues that deal in a clear-eyed manner with the differing perspectives of "stuff."
Each of your various collections weaves the tapestry of your life experience and as such the worth is intrinsically subjective.
Priceless is a value not readily appreciated in an estate.
What YOU bring to the items ~ the memories, the anecdotes, the laughter or tears or dammit, the perverse pleasure of being uniquely YOU--this is the essence that an appraiser cannot ever value.
When we depart this life (By plane train or angel-mobile) we carry away the value of such treasure.
I've no doubt your children would mourn you. I may be in denial because I hope the same holds true for my own, when I fly the coop...
But yes, yes and yes. I've recently spent weeks laboriously downloading and hard copying and setting into binders every bit of my writing.
It's an obsession.
I KNOW, sure as you've represented in this stellar script, my kiddos will grab the gold, ditch the "junk" or parse it out to some "Estate Sale" guru who will abscond with anything valuable and sell the rest to the highbrow tag-sale-ists who think Estate Sales are tantamount to visiting the Kennedy's on the Cape
BUT MY WRITING!
My worst nightmare is my kids or grandkids will thumb quickly through my multiple binders, each poem or prose piece slipped with love into its handy "sheet protector" ~ and shrug as they toss it in the driveway dumpster. That will truly be my demise.
I perceive everything I've written as my truest legacy.
It is the manner in which I will live on, beyond the flatline someone will grimly eye as they pull the plug.
(Or this is the scene I imagine, anyway, I may be hit by a bus.)
I've sat my little clan down, tears brimming, and explained what I've been up to.
I've begged them to take the time...one day...SOME day...and read me.
Read ME.
For I am what is written on those pages.
These are the lines and "between the lines" that hold my spirit.
I've downloaded thumb drives and have them in small little envelopes addressed to Michael, Jessica, Madison, Matthew, Maxwell and Emilyn. (In case the binders are already in the damn dumpster.)
If they do not know by NOW that writing is my passion, I sincerely hope they include thumb drives and binders with my dead-body, thereby sending "us" off to the crematorium together...
and I will (if there IS an awareness) be happy to go up in smoke with that which has kept me marginally sane.
I LOVE this, sister, writer, friend and confidante.
I LOVE you for who you are and have always been since our first chance meeting here on FanStory.
I was going to wait until tomorrow, for surely this deserves six stars.
My heart wouldn't let me wait. I'm not sure about tomorrows anymore. I wanted to tell you NOW...
Should I outlive you (doubtful, I am certain) --I will blaze a path to your Eternal Flame and do my best to send every FS member to read you.
Your words are gems. Every facet reflects bits of you...
This mortal world is better for having Liz Emerald opining and entertaining and moving and writing, always writing...
If there's eternity, I'm an eternal fan. If there's not, well--we'll have one hell of a time laughing about that!
Superb. This.
And especially YOU!
Love you Liz,
Karenina
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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Hey you! I'm always thrilled when I see you've brought forward a work... More delighted when it's one I haven't read, and I get to comment anew!
This is my kind of script. Mom/Daughter monologues that deal in a clear-eyed manner with the differing perspectives of "stuff."
Each of your various collections weaves the tapestry of your life experience and as such the worth is intrinsically subjective.
Priceless is a value not readily appreciated in an estate.
What YOU bring to the items ~ the memories, the anecdotes, the laughter or tears or dammit, the perverse pleasure of being uniquely YOU--this is the essence that an appraiser cannot ever value.
When we depart this life (By plane train or angel-mobile) we carry away the value of such treasure.
I've no doubt your children would mourn you. I may be in denial because I hope the same holds true for my own, when I fly the coop...
But yes, yes and yes. I've recently spent weeks laboriously downloading and hard copying and setting into binders every bit of my writing.
It's an obsession.
I KNOW, sure as you've represented in this stellar script, my kiddos will grab the gold, ditch the "junk" or parse it out to some "Estate Sale" guru who will abscond with anything valuable and sell the rest to the highbrow tag-sale-ists who think Estate Sales are tantamount to visiting the Kennedy's on the Cape
BUT MY WRITING!
My worst nightmare is my kids or grandkids will thumb quickly through my multiple binders, each poem or prose piece slipped with love into its handy "sheet protector" ~ and shrug as they toss it in the driveway dumpster. That will truly be my demise.
I perceive everything I've written as my truest legacy.
It is the manner in which I will live on, beyond the flatline someone will grimly eye as they pull the plug.
(Or this is the scene I imagine, anyway, I may be hit by a bus.)
I've sat my little clan down, tears brimming, and explained what I've been up to.
I've begged them to take the time...one day...SOME day...and read me.
Read ME.
For I am what is written on those pages.
These are the lines and "between the lines" that hold my spirit.
I've downloaded thumb drives and have them in small little envelopes addressed to Michael, Jessica, Madison, Matthew, Maxwell and Emilyn. (In case the binders are already in the damn dumpster.)
If they do not know by NOW that writing is my passion, I sincerely hope they include thumb drives and binders with my dead-body, thereby sending "us" off to the crematorium together...
and I will (if there IS an awareness) be happy to go up in smoke with that which has kept me marginally sane.
I LOVE this, sister, writer, friend and confidante.
I LOVE you for who you are and have always been since our first chance meeting here on FanStory.
I was going to wait until tomorrow, for surely this deserves six stars.
My heart wouldn't let me wait. I'm not sure about tomorrows anymore. I wanted to tell you NOW...
Should I outlive you (doubtful, I am certain) --I will blaze a path to your Eternal Flame and do my best to send every FS member to read you.
Your words are gems. Every facet reflects bits of you...
This mortal world is better for having Liz Emerald opining and entertaining and moving and writing, always writing...
If there's eternity, I'm an eternal fan. If there's not, well--we'll have one hell of a time laughing about that!
Superb. This.
And especially YOU!
Love you Liz,
Karenina
Comment Written 28-May-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2022
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POST THAT! Your eloquent, sobering reflections resonate painfully as to precious (to us) writing being tossed. I wrote a piece specifically about the torturous ruminations on that likely prospect.
As to the personal sentiments--back at you! ILU SAB
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This one is just for you SAB!
