I turned on my phone.
The messages exploded
and upended life.
I never realized
how much I could truly miss
the sound of his laugh.
The room is silent
without his steady breathing
and his loud snoring.
The future holds an
uncertainty that offers
no quick solution.
His heart stopped beating
and my love wasn't enough
to keep him alive.
Plants and flowers grow
as testament to his green
thumb and nurturing.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Estate Closed -- And Paying Inheritance Taxes
This past week I met with my attorney and signed the final paperwork to close the estate and pay the estate taxes. It was a bittersweet moment signing my name and knowing that Michael really isn't coming back. The official legal aspect of his life is also over, which added a bit more closure to the process.
I also had to pay $1,900 in inheritance taxes. People wonder why gay and lesbian couples want marriage rights. Here is a perfect example. We spent nine years together, but our relationship wasn't legally recognized by the state of Indiana. I had to pay taxes on what I inherited from him, including half the value of the house, his IRA, and the few personal belongings he had. I basically say bullshit!! If my mom were to die, my dad wouldn't have to pay taxes on half the house or on his retirement benefits (and furthermore, she'd be entitled to his Social Security, which I'm not).
I am not going to focus though on the negative. Michael and I planned ahead and thankfully had our wills and owned the house as joint rights of survivorship. I have a beautiful home with a showcase backyard with an incredible garden as well as thousands of memories as testament of our nine years together. I am so grateful.
I also had to pay $1,900 in inheritance taxes. People wonder why gay and lesbian couples want marriage rights. Here is a perfect example. We spent nine years together, but our relationship wasn't legally recognized by the state of Indiana. I had to pay taxes on what I inherited from him, including half the value of the house, his IRA, and the few personal belongings he had. I basically say bullshit!! If my mom were to die, my dad wouldn't have to pay taxes on half the house or on his retirement benefits (and furthermore, she'd be entitled to his Social Security, which I'm not).
I am not going to focus though on the negative. Michael and I planned ahead and thankfully had our wills and owned the house as joint rights of survivorship. I have a beautiful home with a showcase backyard with an incredible garden as well as thousands of memories as testament of our nine years together. I am so grateful.
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