The household manual, Part 1

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Here’s an idea that might be helpful….

Like me, you may have experienced what happens when an executor or adult child has to pick up the pieces of a legacy or estate when a loved one has died. Those who remain must sort through perhaps-confusing elements of normal household functioning. In too many cases, that information is scattered, hidden or non-existent.

Your loss creates chaos and begs for order. You want your small part of the chaotic world to be structured—understandable, approachable and useful. An ordered household can become a place of refuge during times of tumult around you.

Not wanting to leave my loved ones with a mess, I’ve been working on a document like this, a resource that will be useful if I’m incapacitated or no longer alive.

I set out to consider every aspect of this household’s smooth functioning—to provide detailed, useful answers to every possible question. I wanted my loved ones to sail more smoothly through the choppy waters of loss, assured about their tasks and their capabilities.

Lawyers, personal bankers and tax advisers can support you, but simple questions about ordinary life remain: “Where are the safe deposit box keys?” “How do we open the home computer?” “When does the garbage truck come?” or “Who do we contact about plumbing repairs?”  At a time when energy and wisdom may be in short supply, these questions have to be sorted and answered.

With the completion of this manual, what’s been known only by me will be available to my spouse and children. As they use this booklet, they’ll share in that knowledge. They will know what’s what and who’s who. Also how-to…!

What keeps me excited about this work? Imagining how this manual will be received and used after I’m gone.

More next time….

About the author

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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By Bob Sitze

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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