Ethical or spiritual wills have a long tradition behind them. It is not always the last document that you write, but it is one that involves thinking of the future and of those who will survive you and those yet to be born. We often do not think of it this way, but isn’t that what the United States Constitution is. It was established by our ancestors to form a government, not only for themselves, but for their posterity, namely, us and our descendants.  A good description of a spiritual will is:

“A Spiritual Will is the greatest gift you can give... it is a reflection of your life

wisdom, experience and love. Creating a Spiritual Will is not about leaving

money or material possessions to some church or organization. It is about leaving

your life insights, wisdom and hopes that are of far greater value to those whom

you love. Ever since the moment of our birth, we have been on a spiritual

journey. We often look to the future to discern what our meaning and purpose is.

It is in looking back, however, that we begin to see the tapestry of the people and

events in our lives ...we begin to see connections and lessons learned that serve as

a basis for the wisdom each of us carries within us...This is wisdom to be passed

on. These are the stories that must be told. It is our message of hope for the future

...”

Why do we prepare wills or trusts? We think that it is to take care of the things that we

leave behind. In reality, it is to take care of the people that we leave behind.

Many of us have lost individuals who were close to us. We have pictures of people who

have been dead for many years. We may have pictures of ancestors or other family

members that we have never met. They may have died before we were born.

Many people have a great desire to know about their family background. Take the time

to look at the genealogy websites that are available. There is genealogy tracking software

available.

After my father died we found an audio tape that had his voice on it. It was wonderful to

hear that voice again. I had thought that I would never hear it again.

We have technology today that can preserve far more than assets for our posterity. We

have always had this possibility since the invention of writing. Examples abound of

caring for those whom we love, including yet unborn. We need to encourage our clients

to consider more than the disposition of their assets. They need to provide themselves for

their families. They can leave memories and guidance. Think about what it would mean

if you could read a letter written to your grandfather by his grandfather.

Many clients find death to be a difficult subject to discuss. By reflecting upon what their

families and friends left them in memories, perhaps it will be a little easier to reflect on

our own mortality. I often encourage clients to write a letter to their children or

grandchildren to tell them about themselves and their feelings for their loved ones. This

letter can help the healing process after the loss of a loved one. The letters can be kept

with the will.