What I'm changing for the holidays

What I’m changing for the holidays!


Most people are in the holiday shuffle shopping mind set, finding parking at the mall or wherever, what do I get for the kids, parents, friends, and so on. How many places do I need to go, how many parties, what to cook, what to wear, and so on. It makes me tired just reading it!

I use to be that way but now it's different. With all the changes that took place over this last year, I have a new outlook on the holiday season.

First, I'm only going to buy presents for those people that I REALLY want to buy something for and that will appreciate it. Everyone else will get a card.

Speaking of cards, I am going to send more this year. I think it's a great way to catch everyone up on our family, just in case they may be interested.

Second, I'm going to my first cookie exchange. This does require me to cook so I'll apologize now and happily take my 4 dozen. My boys will be very excited for me to come home with other people's cookies. If everyone who ate my cookies survives, I'll make this an annual item.

Third, I'm going to watch every single holiday girlie movie that I can squeeze in. Since they are only on about twice during the holiday season, why not go all out? I'm well stocked with Kleenex and wine and occasionally a girlfriend to watch with.
Fourth, did you know there is such a thing as Yule School? Who knew? That is where some fantastically talented person teaches you how to decorate your home and tree for the holiday season. I can hardly wait!

Last, I'm going to hug my friends and family until they are absolutely sick of it! I can't wait!

I hope your holiday season, no matter what you celebrate, is a happy and blessed one. Merry Christmas!

Tisha Diffie, After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC

PLAN AHEAD - laugh a little at this one

I received this joke from a friend of mine.  Reading it is funny but you would be surprised at how many times we come up against this type of thing.  Read and enjoy!

Plan ahead


Cancel your credit card before you die..........(hilarious!)

Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die.  This is so priceless, and so, so easy to see happening, customer service being what it is today.

A lady died this past January, and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died, but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange:

Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'


bank: 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'


Family Member: 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'


bank: 'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'


Family Member: So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'


bank: 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member: 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'


bank: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member: 'Did you just get what I was telling you - the part about her being dead?'


bank: 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member: 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'


bank: 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'


Family Member: 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

bank: (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member: 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given).

bank: 'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'


Family Member: 'Sure.' (Fax number was given).

After they get the fax:

bank: 'Our system just isn't setup for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member: 'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. She won't care.'


bank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'


(What is wrong with these people?!?)


Family Member: 'Would you like her new billing address? '


bank: 'That might help...'


Family Member: ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'


bank: 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'


Family Member: 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???

(Priceless!!)

Holiday Blues

I have never been one to be depressed around the holiday season. It's always a very busy time, lots of places to go, things to do, food to cook, decorations to hang and so on. This holiday is going to be different though.


I've finally decided to get rid of all those items I have been hanging onto that were dads. Shredding papers, getting things together for the tax return next year, wrapping up loose ends and things like that. It seems there are just as many people to call now as there was a year ago. It's not easier this year, just more matter-of-fact.

When I decorate, there will be some small voice in my head saying "dad should be here" or "last year dad was here with hospice" or "I'm not going to put this up because it belonged to dad." There will be so many variables it's hard to pin-point what it will look like.


With all that said, I'm looking forward to moving on to the next phase and being past all of those first year memories that have shown up, coincidently all year. Cooking turkey with all the trimmings, decorating the tree, hanging lights, wrapping presents and going to the parties I missed last year. What a celebration I can have now to honor dad's life.


Thanks for helping me move on. I have a very blessed life.

Tisha M Diffie
After the Fact - Final Affairs

Final Affairs - Death of a Child

Six funerals, two weeks, every one of them for kids under 18. Just when I think my life is a mess, a reality check brings me back and reminds me that there are a lot of people out there worse off than me. I’m thankful my job is not that of a funeral director.

Can you imagine trying to take care of funeral arrangements on your own? I can’t. Especially in situations like these.

I came across this article about a couple who have lost three children. http://marriage.about.com/cs/parenting/a/unthinkgrief.htm  It’s written from first-hand experience, something that I have no experience at and hope to never have, and shows that marriages can survive this horrible loss.

During the upcoming holiday season, spend time with your family and friends. You never know when it may end.

Tisha M Diffie

http://www.afterthefact-finalaffairs.com/