Writing a Legacy Letter
Maybe you’ve never heard of a “legacy letter” before – that’s okay. In this article we will explain exactly what it is and why we feel it can be an important step to take when pre-planning a funeral. Simply put, a legacy letter is a heartfelt message written to your family, friends, or even future generations. It can be read aloud at the funeral service, or can be discreetly shared with family and friends.
Legacy letters serve a unique purpose, allowing someone to share the values or beliefs that shaped their life. It can be comforting to be reminded how much someone loved us and to know that we were instrumental in their life. A legacy letter also usually includes some life lessons or advice to pass down to the next generation – a sharing of wisdom. It’s a physical memory that can be held and revisited while we process our grief.
Here are a few steps to help craft a beautiful letter:
- Understand who will be reading the letter. Decide if you will write personal letters to different people or just one letter that everyone will read together.
- Reflect and think about what you want to say. Share specific memories in vivid detail, show gratitude, offer forgiveness, or give advice.
- Don’t stress about perfection or grammar. This is about being personal and even vulnerable. You can even write as though you’re speaking from the afterlife.
- Store your letter somewhere safely. One idea is to give it to your funeral director to keep on file.
Imagine how your loved ones will feel, years from now, reading your words of love. A legacy letter can be a beacon during their grief, a reminder that you’re still with them in spirit. As we think about end-of-life plans, consider this: What would you want your loved ones to know after you’re gone? A legacy letter is a chance to answer that question in your own words, ensuring your voice and memory lives on.
