I've been reading the thrilling book In Cold Blood, and apparently it's really gotten into my head: last night I dreamt a man with a shotgun tied up my brothers and me. I think it's superbly written, and I can't put it down.
In the chapters I read last night, a detective read through the daughter's diary, hoping to find clues as to who had murdered the family. I started thinking about people going through stuff that I own. If something happened to the husband and me, there are a few things that would embarrass me, even after I'm dead. For example, I've kept a journal for years. I haven't written in it as often since I've started blogging, but I used to write in it every day, and I still have journals from years before I met my husband. Would I want my mom reading that stuff? How about the 215 letters I sent to my husband while he was in Iraq? I want to keep those things, but I'm not sure I want anyone else reading some of the more intimate ones! Would I want my mom going through my underpants drawer? Aggh! I suppose all of it is moot if I'm dead, but still. Everyone has secret aspects of his personality, and I'm not sure I want anyone knowing about mine.
Posted by Sarah at January 6, 2006 09:53 AM | TrackBackNow you know why I've told you my life story! There won't be any surprises after I'm gone--at least I hope not! ha! And if there are surprises, you'll at least know that I was not only a mother, but a real person as well! I'm a little more concerned about leaving you with my messy basement! I can just see the three of you going through everything saying, "Why in the world did mom save that?!?"
Your Mama
I can tell you that your letters will be appreciated some day, embarrasing or not. All of my grandparents are passed away at this point in my life, some of them when I was quite young. One of the legacys that we have is all of their correspondence. Recently my mother has been transcribing them to computer, and plans on publishing them in a limited capacity for our extended family.
Sure, sometimes its kinda weird reading letters your grandparents wrote to each other while dating, intimate stuff and all. The tidbits from history, such as a discussion my mothers parents had about John Dillinger, help to flesh out their lives.
You never know what your family will want to learn about you after your gone.
Posted by: John at January 19, 2006 04:32 AM