Till death do us part
Ah, wow, keep reading. Yes I know the word death probably sends shivers down your spine. It’s something most of us don’t want to think about, never mind discuss. Something of a taboo subject in most households - its awkward, no one knows what to say or what to do.
It’s a shame really, that something that is a fundamental part of the world we live in, should be buried away (pardon the poor pun) never to be discussed until it happens.
“I’m pretty sure that 10 minutes after my death my wife will hold a seance to ask me where the TV remote is”
Rick Aaron, American Anchorman
Life is unpredictable and throws the unexpected at us. No one is ever really prepared. I, for one, lost a brother when he was just 24 years old (I was around 12 at the time). Who could have possibly prepared for that?! Of course, you can all tell your own heartbreaking stories over time.
We know death can come regardless of age, we all just cling on and hope we get a fair shot at life - live to have a family of our own; watch with pride as our children grow, and accomplish in their own lives, just as we have done; perhaps have their own grandchildren (there’s a thought!); live our own lives true to ourselves and take in all the adventures we desire. To look back as a wrinkled, grey, weary but fulfilled self and say ‘Ah, it’s been a life’ as the sides of your mouth crease upwards in a gentle, fulfilled smile.
Whilst I can’t (and won’t) tell you how to live your life, I can encourage you to make sure you are prepared no matter what happens. With this in mind, I give you this hugely important book recommendation. Buy it, read it, implement its wisdom and it will at least make sure you and your family are prepared no matter what happens. It really is your last gift.
Your Last Gift by Matthew Hutton - A book covering all the practical elements of death, how you can prepare and what happens afterwards, to ensure your loved ones are ready/ have the knowledge at hand to navigate during the toughest of life’s moments.
Keith Boyes
Chartered Financial Planner
Managing Director
Spentwell