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'My dead parents lied about being poor'

“I’m angry and sad at the disconnect between what they said and what they did."

Daughter’s despair as elderly mum falls victim to scams

A woman has had a rude shock while cleaning out her deceased parent’s home. 

For the majority of her childhood, the 50-year-old was told by her parents that their lives were marred by financial hardship. 

“They were born on either side of World War Two, and talked so much about rationing, poverty, striking and unions,” the woman said.  

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"Angry and sad" 

With that in mind she was left dismayed after unearthing some pricey treasure in their attic. 

“I’m angry and sad at the disconnect between what they said and what they did,” she explained. 

Her brother spent much of their childhood unwell, with their parents opting to lift his spirits with expensive gifts. 

“The contrast between his pricey toys and my ‘enjoy your family board game type stuff’ is obvious,” she vented. 

She was made even more annoyed after finding the collection of porcelain, dinner services and expensive Christmas decorations.   

“I’m sorting through all this stuff and finding receipts for expensive trivial stuff," she said. 

“I am very tempted to get a skip and hurl every last collectable Franklin mint piece and investment antique into it off the balcony." 

Image: iStock
Image: iStock

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"Tutankhamun's tomb"

Their complaining has now left her feeling resentful. 

She believes they often left her to fend for herself during her university years, when times were tough. 

“I am utterly bored of their life stories and their perceived hardships, I've heard them so many times,” she stressed.  

“In return they remember very little of my life, my plans, my 20s, buying our first house, they just never took any notice.”

Taking to a forum she aired her anger leaving commenters torn.

“Sounds like your parents fortunes improved as their family grew up, and they enjoyed spending their disposable income,” said one comment. 

“That was their life choice though. Who are we to decide what and how our parents spent their money,” another defended.  

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“I see you. It is tough. It doesn't make you a bad person to feel like this” added a third.  

She appreciated that getting to ransack your parent’s is a rare chance to experience a side of them we don't always see.  

“Not all of us get the mighty privilege of looting Tutankhamun’s tomb and unwrapping the limited edition plates that have lain undisturbed since they were delivered 40 years ago.” 

Originally published as 'My dead parents lied about being poor'

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/my-dead-parents-lied-about-being-poor/news-story/46a030bd4cd5209dd53fc4301efbf520