While at a client’s home recently ready to start a day of organizing, I received the, “I have a bit of a conflict today.” from my client.  This wasn’t the first time I had been told this by Janet.  Nor is she the only client who had used this line with me on office organizing day.  It is typically a deflecting method used by clients to avoid sorting & editing paperwork.

Some clients would rather sort, edit & organize their garage or attic in the overbearing August heat in Texas rather than sort, edit & organize paperwork in the cool comfort of their home office.  It’s as if they might be consumed by their paperwork, filed away so to speak in the archive folder never again to see the ones they love.  If they only realized that paperwork has consumed them already & the only way out is to sort, edit & organize.  But I digress……

I smiled & waited patiently to hear what today’s conflict de jour would be.  No mention was made that I had been dreaming all night about how to organize her many volunteer projects so she would be able to find what she needed at a moment’s notice, shooting her volunteer reputation to the top.   Creating the Magnificent Volunteer Mom….MVM for short.

As I was lost in thought of what her MVM T-shirts could look like, I heard the world funeral.  I perked right up & refocused my attention back to Janet & her immediate needs.  A church friend had recently lost her mother.  The friend was the primary care giver so all family & friends would be descending on her home looking for comfort in this difficult time.  Janet had decided to take over a brisket for the family but no one else from their group had stepped up yet to contribute.  She was concerned.  And she didn’t really know what else someone should bring.

My mind jumped to The List.

A list I don’t even remember learning but is one of my earliest memories.  My mother, aunts, grandmother & great-grandmother & the Church Ladies all know the list.  I’ve helped fill the list, prepare the list & take the list to friends & families in need.

I didn’t want to overwhelm or come across as a know-it-all, so I started small by suggesting she add a bag-o-salad to her meat loaf.  Then a fresh bakery loaf of bread.  She thought these both great ideas.  When she worried out loud about other needs the family might have, I couldn’t hold back any longer.  The List spilled from my mouth so fast, Janet leapt across the kitchen for a note pad & pen not wanting to miss a single item.

She wrote frantically.  When she finally looked up, her eyes were wide with disbelief.  How did I know?!!  Who told me about The List?  Where is it on Google?  Why hadn’t I shared this information before?  Who taught me & WHAT IS A CHURCH CASSEROLE COMMITTEE?!!

Well….I’m Baptist……. and this list is what we add to those words, “We’re sorry for your loss.”

The List

1.  The 4 paper products; tissue, paper towels, napkins & toilet tissue

2.  Trash bags

3.  Ziploc bags or boxes for leftover storage

4.  Paper plates & plastic wear

5.  One pound of coffee & a box of tea bags

6.  Veggie tray for snacking or adding to a meal

7.  Deli tray for a light meal

8.  A cantaloupe to cut when needed

9.  Mixed bag of whole fruit

10. Breakfast roll, muffins or croissants to serve with any egg casserole that would be delivered for breakfast

11. Dessert

12. Comfort Casseroles from the Church Casserole Committee

13. And a note book with pen for guest to sign in & notate what they brought.

Did you learn a list?  Share your list or add items to this list on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook Page.