Matt Paxton arrived at our Glen Rockin Senior Center to tell his story and then interview our seniors about their stories. For more stories, see his Legacy List story online.
Matt Paxton: For over 25 years, I’ve been helping people clean out their homes, uncovering not just items but the memories and stories attached to them. Many of you might recognize me from TV shows like “Legacy List” and “Hoarders,” where I’ve tackled some of the messiest houses. My journey began as a kid, cleaning my aunt’s house every summer because my grandfather told me to. I didn’t get paid, but I received a comb and a two-dollar bill one year, which thrilled me.
At 23, I faced a year of immense loss, with my dad, stepdad, and both grandfathers passing away. Cleaning their houses started as a chore, but soon became a way to connect with my mom and grandma through their shared stories. This experience shaped my career, emphasizing the importance of the memories tied to our possessions.
The Legacy List Concept
The idea behind my TV show, “Legacy List,” is simple yet profound. A legacy list consists of the top five items that matter most in your life, telling your family’s story. Before downsizing or cleaning out your house, I encourage families to write out their legacy list and share the stories behind those items. It’s not about the financial value but the emotional significance.
A Personal Story: My Dad’s Ring
One of my favorite items is my dad’s ring, a Tiffany’s ring he gave me the night he died. My dad, who worked in advertising, had a chaotic life, often rich and poor in the same year. After my parents divorced, he moved into an apartment across the street from us. Despite being broke, he convinced Tiffany’s to let him do their catalog in his apartment. When it was time to get paid, he traded his work for the ring instead of money.
Last week, I almost lost this ring over a cheeseburger at Tony’s Steakhouse in Cincinnati. After a frantic search, the manager found it in the parking lot. With its many stories, this ring symbolizes my dad’s wild spirit and the importance of always getting paid as an entrepreneur.
Sharing Stories: The Key to Letting Go
One memorable story from “Legacy List” involves a woman named Lennis, who revealed she was the first female adjunct professor at MIT. Her granddaughter discovered this through a photo of Lennis with her lover, Armando, a Spanish professor. Sharing these stories helps us understand the significance of our possessions and makes it easier to let go.
Community Engagement
Today, we practiced sharing our stories, highlighting the importance of listening and connecting through our memories. Each item, from Genevieve’s sculpted doll to Alicia’s family organ, Sheila’s World War II flag, Judy’s Irish cross, and Skip’s 401-year-old coin, has a unique story that enriches our lives.
We preserve our legacy for future generations as we continue to share our stories and pass on our treasured items. Remember, the small things matter, and the stories behind them keep our memories alive.