Shovel Buddy

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First coined by Steve Morrison of the "Preston and Steve Show" on Philadelphia's 93.3 WMMR, a "shovel buddy" is a person whom you entrust the location of anything stored in your home that would bring shame or besmirch your reputation. Should such things be discovered by a loved one, your after-life image would surely suffer. A "shovel buddy" would, upon hearing of the horrible news (or as announced by the Royersford, PA fire alarm - heretofore "the Shovel Buddy Emergency Response System"), immediately cease what they were doing, race to your house, and remove any embarrassing paraphernalia. These things should be removed and buried, hence the term "shovel buddy." This should be one of your life-long and closest friends.

During their show, February 22, 2007, the gang discussed a situation regarding copious amounts of "extreme" pornography that was found after a loved one's passing. It was then that Steve Morrison first uttered the words "shovel buddy" in reference to this situation.

In short, a buddy dies or becomes severely incapacitated, the siren blows. Protocol states that you must stop what you are doing, tell your loved ones that there is nothing to fear and that you will be home in several days. They should not ask questions.

[edit] Ask Amy

A column from Ask Amy appeared in several national newspapers on September 15, 2007. Here, the excerpt from the Washington Post:

Saturday, September 15, 2007; Page C02

Dear Readers:

Recently I ran a letter from "Fleeting," who posed a very provocative question when he asked what people should do with any surprising, "interesting" and potentially upsetting possessions that might be uncovered upon a person's death. I followed up by asking readers to tell me about their secret possessions, and also to share any opinions and experiences they have had about discovering "surprises" after a loved one's death.

As usual, readers have responded with enjoyable, informative, tender, touching and insightful stories. I'm delighted to share them.

Dear Amy:

"Fleeting" needs to get himself a "shovel buddy." This is a person whom you tell where to find all the things in your home that you do not want anyone else to find, should you meet an untimely incapacitation or demise.

The obvious assumption here is that there is nothing illegal, only things that would be embarrassing. These things should be removed and buried, hence the term "shovel buddy." It's also obvious that this should be the person whom you trust the most not to forget his or her duties and carry them out with the utmost discretion. My shovel buddy is one of my closest friends, who I know would never let me down.