A Family Love Letter could possibly be the most treasured item in your legacy drawer. It is a precious gift and personal message to your loved ones. It is written to share your personal values, blessings, life lessons, and advice to future generations. A Family Love Letter is also known as an Ethical Will, although it is not considered a legal document. In fact, the practice of leaving an Ethical Will is an ancient tradition referenced in the Bible and found in many cultures.
Writing a Family Love Letter helps you identify what you value most. By documenting what you value now, you ensure the continuation of those values for future generations. If you want to be remembered for who you really are, disclose that person. Don’t assume others know your inner self and the challenges you met in life. If you don’t tell your stories, no one else will and they will be lost forever.
Here are a few important themes you may want to include in your Family Love Letter:
- Personal values and beliefs
- Spiritual values
- Life’s lessons
- Family history
- Forgiving others/asking for forgiveness
- Hopes and blessings for future generations
There are no rules about what is to be included. You may want to include expressions of appreciation for those who have helped you or made you happy in a significant way. “Guiding Hand” advice to your children and grandchildren and hopes for their future. Your life story and family history to help relatives understand their heritage.
Write about what is good and admirable in each of your loved ones. Express the gratitude you feel for each one in your life. In writing from the heart, you will discover more of who you are and your true legacy. You will better come to understand how you have fulfilled your purpose and what you hope to be remembered for.
If you don’t like the idea of writing out your love letter, consider creating a personal legacy video to communicate this message to your family. Set-up a video camera and just speak from your heart. What a priceless gift this would be to your family!
Whether your love letter is limited to a few short lines, several pages, a hardcover book with pictures, or a legacy video, there is great satisfaction in completing your gift to ensure a safe passage to the next generation.
