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I realize that no matter how long I live, eventually I'll be gone.
I don't want to leave a mess behind me for others to clean up.
This Spring I completed preparations for my farewell, whenever it occurs.
1) Made funeral and cremation arrangements with the Neptune Society. Wherever I am in the world, the process will require one phone call and all will be done as I arranged.
2) Completed "Get It Together" by Nolo Press. All my legal and family documents are organized in a big notebook with instructions for whoever must attend to those matters.
3) Made arrangements with the animal rescue agent who fostered Hazel. If we can't care for her, she'll go back to people who know her and will keep her or find a new home for her.
4) Made sure my doctor knows about all this.
5) Will share all with daughter next month.
There were times I felt a little queasy, but completing these tasks released a lot of joyful energy as I realized how much lighter my life load had become.
I've come to see that "releasing" tasks and things in a loving way can be a very wonderful use of my later years.
Replies to "I realize that no matter how long I live, eventually I'll be gone. I don't want..."
Congratulations for getting this important task done. What a great idea to put all the info in a notebook. Your post is a great reminder to those of us who must finish these tasks.
Amen, Ed ~ I totally agree. I, too, have completed my list, with the exception of readings and music for the funeral. I assumed my kids would prefer to do that since they are the ones benefitting from it but they assured me that they wanted me to make those choices, evidently as a parting gift!
My kids and their spouses know most everything about my life, finances, will, POA, etc., etc., right down to how to get into my closet safe. I made my oldest son and his wife as well as my daughter practice in front of me as sometimes it needs a couple of "tries" and I panic if it happens to me. Things are clean and cleaned out. I hadn't considered all this to be a "wonderful use of my later years" as you put it, but yes! That was a great observation and my spirits are lifted as I think about it that way. Thank you!!
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Excellent post, Ed!
Thanks for reminding us all.
/LarryG