Before Death, Ask These Questions…
For people don’t know when their time will come any more than fish taken in the fatal net or birds caught in a snare; similarly, people are snared at an unfortunate time, when suddenly it falls on them.
Ecclesiastes 9:12
I am not only at the age when I am called “blessed” to have both my parents alive and healthy, I am poignantly aware of my own descent considering I have fewer years in front of me than those I have already lived.
The reality is, ANY day could be a last day for ANY one. As such, have you put your house in order?
In the past I have blogged and vlogged about the need for a will regardless of if you have $0 or multi-millions. I have also spoken passionately about life insurance and beseeched you to purchase whole life over term. However, at least have term if you won’t take the time to understand why whole life is technically less expensive in the long run. (And, yes, I will still answer your financial questions even though I officially retired from the business in 2019.)
For the purposes of this blog, however, I share an email I wrote to my son because you too should send it to those you love. Don’t let the book close on your life without doing all you can to wrap up some chapters for those who have been part of your story.
If you are someone who thinks about and hopes to leave a legacy, how others remember you is purely based on how they feel about you.
Life is short and all that will matter in the end is who you shared it with along the way.
Below is the email I sent to my son which you can edit to send to any loved one:
My Beloved Son: I don’t want you to worry, but I have a very serious question about my death. Again, don’t worry. I am simply acknowledging the fact that any day could be a last day and it has really got me thinking.
I have put together a series of questions that may take a little bit of time for you to think through and answer. Take your time, and please answer either in writing or call me and let’s talk.
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there is no one that compares to the love I have for you. I want to make sure when my last day comes, I have done all that is within my power to give you as much closure as possible so you can carry-on in joy, loving on those who are in your circle of influence. I love you. LOTS! – mom
- If it was my last day, is there anything for which I need to apologize?
- Are there any words or sentiments you had wished I had expressed to you?
- Is there anything you want to know about me?
- Is there anything you want to know my views on, my experiences with, how I think and understand it?
- Is there anything you had wished we had done together?
- Is there anything of mine that you want to remember me by? Something tangible you want me to make sure I have identified as belonging to you upon my death.
I pray these questions, this tool, encourages you to bring needed closure and healing to the relationships that mean the most to you. Shalom
I’m excited to walk this journey with you as we unveil the practical and research-based information on how to achieve that which we all desire for ourselves and others – to be “happy”. We discover that happiness is attainable and, better yet, sustainable, as long as one is willing to do the work. In my book “The Happiness Formula”, I dive into each element in detail. Order your copy of “The Happiness Formula”, click here and subscribe to my YouTube Channel (click here) for continued insights and updates into HAPPINESS. Thank you for your support!
Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell
Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell is an Author, Speaker, Coach of Wealth & Happiness with a mission to bring research, wisdom, and authenticity to others via “The Happiness Formula.”