I just got this off another list and its something everyone needs to consider. What happens to all work when you are gone? http://www.genealogyblog.com/?p=14308 I ran across an article this week in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution <http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/are-your-genealogy-files-1186045.html> (AJC) entitled "Are your genealogy files in your will?" http://www.ajc.com/lifestyle/are-your-genealogy-files-1186045.html The article is actually a synopsis for another article appearing in the September/October issue of Family Chronicle magazine. The thrust of the articles is to remind family historians to create a list of important genealogical data and family heirlooms and to leave instructions for their distribution after death. Reading the article in the AJC reminded me of a story shared by members of a genealogical society were I had spoken. They told me of a member who had recently passed. The woman had been an active member for 15 years and an avid genealogist for 30 years. This women had an entire room in her home dedicated to her research. Her work filled volumes. She had papers, books, and vital information stacked on bookshelves and in boxes floor to ceiling. All was well organized, but the total volume was overwhelming. When this women passed, her children came in, took one look, and threw 30 years of research into the garbage. This dedicated genealogist was a wonderful person by all accounts. However, she failed in two key. Unfortunately, many genealogists make the same mistakes she did. First, she failed to instill a lasting love for genealogy in a child, grandchild, cousin, or other family member. She never helped nurture a love in her descendents to match the love she had for her own ancestors. She may have tried to find a willing participant and simply not gotten the desired results. When family won't participate it makes the second failure all the more devastating. Her second mistake was the failure to leave a will or other clear instructions for the administration of her records and other vital information. I realize some people don't like to think about their own mortality. However, how can anyone work as a genealogist and not give one's own demise some consideration? What good comes from our research if not left for others to find and use? These stories are a reminder to me to work with my own children. I must at least show them what I have found and let them know how important genealogy is me. I must also organize my records, photos, and heirlooms; then, list them and make clear, in writing, my desire regarding these precious artifacts as an inheritance or donation after my own parting. Hopefully, each of you will give similar thought to your priceless collections, and make proper preparations. Janean