Dear friend,
Have you prepared your will? I know, that's a really personal and morbid question for me to be asking on a random Saturday in August. But it's Make a Will Month, and I want to take the opportunity to remind you of the importance of having that document prepared to protect your loved ones and your legacy.
My grandfather was the kind of man people remember. When I was a child, we couldn't go anywhere without someone recognizing him and stopping to chat; this happened while we ate breakfast at our usual spot, bought groceries, or went to the beach. Even now, 15 years after his passing, people will smile as they recall something he would say or do.
I am lucky to miss him so much. He spent his career in the US Navy, serving through World War II and Korea. In retirement, he volunteered to cook meals at the local senior center, dressed up as Santa Claus for VFW Christmas parties (it's worth noting he was Jewish), and going for scenic drives. Truly, his example is what shaped my sense of patriotism and civic duty.
However, my grandfather never prepared a will. There were things my family knew were meant to go to certain relatives because he'd told us that's what he wanted, but there was nothing legally binding to make sure his wishes were carried out. Due to the laws of the state he passed in and the circumstances of his living arrangement, very little that we knew he wanted happened: Precious family heirlooms were lost, and we were unable to make any final contributions to the causes we know he believed in.
That could have been prevented with a piece of paper. Please take the time to prepare a will. You can make a lasting difference in the lives of those most important to you, and to the causes that you support. For most people, this vital process can be completed in under 30 minutes and is FREE to do!
Sincerely,
Heather Rigby
Director of Communications
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