Today I baked the “Ultimate Fruitcake” in memory of my youngest sister Grace, who was killed by a drunk driver, 21 years ago today. This yearly ritual of baking her favourite fruitcake fills my home with wonderful scents, and helps me to recall the short life of a dearly loved sister. Last night a long time family friend, Jane, called to say she was thinking of me, and Grace, and my mom, Lois.  Jane recalled  that my mom’s laughter  was so loud that it rolled across a room, and then the tears of joy  usually followed. Jane was the one who sat through the night while my mom lay dying in palliative care. It was sweet to visit over the phone, and reflect on the lives of loved ones.

Soon  I’ll be doing a roadshow with an accounting firm to talk about the “Death of a farmer”. Bet that title just makes you want to jump in a car and come ! My portion is to talk about leaving a lasting legacy, the final wishes, how you would like to be remembered, what to do with sentimental possessions, and the family issues around money and land. (And they only gave me an hour !)

I love talking about this stuff. I’m not so good about organizing all the documents that I want to have put into place, but I have started.

I want you to start, too, : to leave a manual for your loved ones of your important documents, wishes, funeral plans, advisors, plumber etc.  Make a  “life “ binder that someone could grab if your home was flooding, a loved one suddenly dies, with  everything all organized.

I have resources from the internet that will help get you started: Continue reading Leaving a Lasting Legacy »