I read and tried to implement the advice about choosing broad categories for our files. Even so, I have a substantial pile of papers that don't fit in any category. I can only conclude what I've known all along: I save way too much stuff.

I know why I do it. My mother died suddenly when I was nine, and well-meaning relatives left me almost nothing of hers. My most treasured possession was her diary, but even that contained only a handful of entries.

So I save all my journals, and most of my letters, and letters others have written me, and clips of my publications, and on and on...the things I once described in a poem as evidence that we lived. I think my vision is that when I'm gone I will have left behind a great deal of myself for my children to read. The fact is, it will probably add up to more than anyone would want to read. Still, I file on...

Anyone else saving more than you should?

Susan