grandparenting
“Don’t be in a hurry about it. No pressure and no deadline. Just get started, and write it in your own way and your own words. Add to it when you feel inspired or ready, and if and when it feels right to you, share it with those you love most.” Instead of letting your last will and testament be written by attorneys, consider writing at least the testament part yourself, in your own hand, from your own mind. One internet source contains the following ( lega- cyassuranceplan.com ): “This process (of testament writing) allows individ- uals to make a statement about what is important to them “…wills can include personal reflections, life les- sons, stories of resilience and hope, core values and moral philosophies. They serve as a vehicle for indi- viduals to communicate their beliefs, experiences and wishes to their heirs and future generations. “By incorporating these personal elements, estate planning becomes a means to pass on a legacy that transcends material possessions. It allows individu- als to leave a mark that reflects their unique identity, beliefs and values.” That sounds good doesn’t it. Not easy, but good. “Do we, ourselves, even know our deepest feel- ings and beliefs. The exercise of writing them down can be remarkably illuminating.” And here is another suggestion: Write it now! Even if you think you have a couple more decades to live. Why? Because sitting down and trying to write what you believe and what you value is good for the
soul—both your soul and that of your children and grandchildren. And if what you write turns out to be good enough, or if you like it and feel right about it when you’re done, consider giving it to your chil- dren and grandchildren now rather than having it read to them when you are dead. We all think our kids and grandkids know us—but do they know the deep- est parts of us? Do we, ourselves, even know our deepest feelings and beliefs. The exercise of writing them down can be remarkably illuminating. Don’t be in a hurry about it. No pressure and no deadline. Just get started, and
write it in your own way and your own words. Add to it when you feel inspired or ready, and if and when it feels right to you, share it with those you love most. Richard and Linda Eyre’s parenting
and life-balance books have reached millions and been translated into a dozen languages. As fellow Baby Boomers, their passion and their writing focus has now shifted to the joy of Grandparenting. Linda’s latest book is Grandmothering , Richard’s is Being a Proactive
grandfather , and their latest co-authored book is Life in Full. Watch for the Eyres’ new book “Grandparents’ Secrets” coming out next year.
8 GRANDP arenting
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