Probate Meditations

The court finally approved Dad’s probate proceeding. It took way too long. I’ll spare readers the details because I don’t want to write about it or impugn any aspect of my wonderful stepmother in her afterlife.

I mailed out the checks to the beneficiaries yesterday.

My father would be proud of me how I took the high road in the aftermath of his death.

So now what? I’ll handle Dad’s tax liability in a couple of months and transfer his Oklahoma mineral rights to me and then, that is it. There will be nothing more to do. And yes, I am now somewhat of a minor, very minor oil baron!

I tried to move with alacrity handling Dad’s estate. The system doesn’t reward that.

With my share, I’ll settle a few debts and buy some new sneakers because all the ones I own leak. I might take a trip to the Redwoods.

I really want to use my windfall to help people in my life who need help. If you are reading this and need help, ask.

It’s a gray, windy and rainy day in Coos Bay as I write this. Across the street, the misery of a broken American family unfolds in real time, every day, all day. I mention this because I know this small inheritance from my father is something the children in the family across the street will never have.