I was writing up my will recently and something occurred to me…
I am going to die. Could be today, tomorrow, next week, next month, year, decade, or century. I could live another 100 year, but eventually, I will die. No, I’m not gonna be morbid, just wanted to ask my dear readers a few questions: 1) What do you hope to accomplish before you die? 2) Are you financially prepared to die? 3) Who are you leaving behind? Three simple questions which not so simple implications.
What do you hope to accomplish before you die?
This one was by far the most important one to me. I’ll explain why. I feel like I have a mission on this world. I have a gift that I feel God has given me to share my thoughts and perspectives with the world. I believe in Heaven and Hell, and I believe I am going to Heaven (although I do have my moments of non-belief). But that’s not what I am worried about. You see, I have 2 book ideas and one play that I have yet to finish (really, I haven’t started one of the books or the play). It would be deeply disappointing to me if I was on my deathbed and had not finished those ideas. As I have described before, I had dreams and ideas as a kid that will never see the light of day because I delayed pursuing my dream and just left it as an idea.
I won’t allow that to happen again, as long as it is within my power. I won’t waste my gift and I hope that if you have something to give to the world, you won’t either. One book idea I am working on is to the point where I have made plans for it to get finished and published if something happens to me. That may sound crazy (I hope not), but that’s what I would like to accomplish before I go. The list keeps growing as I get new ideas. So, hopefully I won’t go before I get these ideas down on paper.
Are you financially prepared to die?
Pivoting from my previous point, I just wanted to throw something out there that is more practical, finances. Dying can be expensive, especially if our loved ones are not in a financial position to assume the burden of whatever we leave behind. My mother, being a life-long employee of Farmer’s Insurance always reminded me to get insured and took a policy out for me when I was young. This is not a plug for Farmer’s Insurance. I would recommend taking the time to go over the plan in case the unexpected happens and being honest with yourself and your significant other or family member who may be responsible for cleaning up following an unexpected or sudden passing. A life insurance policy or even a long-term care policy (if you do not have qualify for disability) could be a lifesaver in income replacement, especially if a mortgage and family car are still being paid on. Louis Pasteur used to say, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Make the necessary adjustments now so you are not playing catch-up while grieving.
Who are you leaving behind?
Relationships. We don’t talk about them enough but imagine some of the things we say and do to the people we love the most. We lie to them, cheat them, and even hurt them. I got to talk to my mother the day she went into the coma where she did not come out of. I recall how happy she was to talk with me. Something about that moment, never settled well with me and I realized that I didn’t talk to her as much as I could’ve and didn’t visit as much as I should’ve. I have no regrets, but I miss the hell out of that woman. The only thing I can tell you here is that you have someone in your life that, if they died tonight, you would regret not saying I love you, I forgive you, I appreciate you, or whatever you needed to say. I challenge you to say that thing and don’t delay. That’s all.
Parting Thoughts
This wasn’t intended to be a long post, just a time to share with you some thoughts I have on the subject of death. Get your house in order my friends. The past few years have been tough on all of us. Let that be a wake up call for each of us to not let precious moments slip away.
