I recently taught two classes for Inter Valley Health Services in Palm Springs.  My first class was on journaling for beginners and cowards and then I taught a class on the ethical will.  I love teaching the ethical will workshop because it reminds me of how important the words we speak and the words we leave behind are.  I spent the entire two hours sharing about my gift of the ethical will and what it was that I wanted to leave behind. 

Words in our lives are so very important.  What are some things you would like to say but may feel like you can’t?  If you try putting them into a letter or your private thoughts into a journal you may be surprised about how much needs to come out. 

As I was leaving the class I got a sweet text from my (almost) 21 year old son that said: “I love you mama.  Just wanted to say that.”  Of course that warmed my heart since I had been thinking of all 4 of my kids while teaching the class. 

The beauty of the ethical will is that it is not a legal binding document, but it is really a love letter that you write for your family.  What are the hopes and dreams you would like to see all of your offspring achieve?  What do you hope they will realize about their life that you see that you want them to also see.  What about your family traditions do you hope they will remember?  What would you like for them to cherish? 

As I write these love letters to my friends and family I will leave these behind because I want them to know I cherish each of them.  Remember words are so very important.  Who do you need to write to?  What are those things you wish you could have said to those who are no longer a part of your world?