Last things first, just in case... the premier guide to advance directives
Advance directives are instructions for health and end-of-life care in case you are incapacitated in the future. There are many different labels for advance directives across the country. "Advance directives" in Iowa may be a "declaration" in Montana, but whatever the label in your state, they serve two purposes: 1) the appointment of a health care proxy to make health care decisions on behalf of the patient and 2) the patient's instructions for the use of life-sustaining measures and comfort care as the end of life approaches.
Give your loved ones the greatest gift of all:
Knowing your wishes for end-of-life care and being prepared to carry them out. There's no doubt about it: the final act for each of us is death. Not many can say with certainty when and how their passing will occur, which is why advance directives play such a vital role in making an effective plan for end-of-life care. For those who will rely on another person as advocate and voice, it's best to take care of Last things first, just in case....
Ethical Wills, the modern practice of an ancient custom.
Many people want to preserve and share their stories and wisdom, but they don't know where to begin or how to craft their message. A 4,000 year-old tradition, an Ethical Will is the record of your beliefs and values, life lessons and hopes for the future, meant to be shared with loved ones. It began as storytelling and oral blessings passed on at life's end. Today, an Ethical Will can be expressed as a video, audio tape, embellished journal, scrapbook, or a simple handwritten letter. And it can be a cherished gift shared with loved ones during your life or a treasured statement to be passed on after you have, well, passed on.
Read about Ethical Wills in Chapter 10 of Last things first, just in case... (click here for an excerpt) and then consider attending one of Jo Kline Cebuhar's unique writing workshops. Events & Seminars. Learn how to share your most valuable legacy: the lessons of your life.