I tell stories from the front and back lines of the newsroom. This story is about memories.
My story is well-documented. Recording my memories helps me relive the moments I want to share. With myself or others. I want to remember. Social sharing helps me remember where I was. I rarely took self-quarantine selfies in 2020. I didn't need to remember the feeling of pushing everything away from my damaged immune system. The feeling of being left behind.
Every other time in my life, I post at an obnoxious frequency. I take MRI selfies at the MS Center. I take emergency room selfies. Card-was-declined-grocery-shopping selfies. I share everything. It helps me better understand my own history.
Mass communications is my preferred method. Frequently on the opposite end of triangulation, I know how dangerous one-on-one communication can become. I keep a paper trail with copious notes. Audio recordings. Videos. Photos. And posts. I am a memory hoarder. Pics or it didn't happen. I wish I had one of those brain memories that saves everything. There are people who can do that. Remember every day of their lives. Documenting my life moments brings me closer to understanding.
It is my policy to keep money conversations on the record.
A pro bono housing attorney helped me navigate a housing emergency after my grandfather died. Last year, the bank refused to record a meeting with my lawyer and me. This was not the first time I felt uncomfortable with my business with this bank. My formal demands are only heard if sent from a lawyer. I sent complaints to several government agencies. The bank responded. With claims that seem inaccurate to my business journalist eyes.
Bank representatives witnessed my grandfather’s new will signing in 2024. And yet, they didn’t want to record a conversation with the will’s listed beneficiary in 2025. Every thread pulled on this story leads to more questions.
It makes me think of Montgomery Burns Disease, otherwise known as “Three Stooges syndrome.”
I only speak English, Bad English, HTML, AP Style. And Simpsons references. In a Simpsons episode, a famous old rich man has so many diseases that they cancel each other out. The doctors warn Mr. Burns that he is extremely fragile. However, Montgomery thinks this means he is “indestructible”. The proposed metaphor is this: there are so many. Too many. Reportable complaints. Banks can think they are invincible because they always live through the evidence against them. Lawyers are the metaphysical doctors who try to warn the banks that "even a slight breeze" could be the end of the crazy old man.
Banks are too big to fail. Too big to jail. As I navigate the complexities of my grandfather’s estate, I find more to record on my spreadsheet. More of those metaphorical disease toys to shove through the door. Luckily for me, Three Stooges syndrome is not contagious. I document everything. Even requests not to record. So the next time, a bank might develop institutional memory. Maybe the next time, the bank will learn from its past. Unrelated prior settlements with the government help me ask more questions.
My memories are very important to me. A journalist can document everything. But I need lawyers to help me get to the truth of what happened to my grandfather’s estate. I will let you know what happens on this journey. Estate lawyers cost money. Help me remember Alexander C. Stark, Jr. by donating to my #PapaStarkFund.
My executive assistant Doctor Princess Freddy Furiosa thanks you for every dollar. No matter what button you push, you can change the denomination afterward. Every donation helps us get closer to the truth.
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