Everything was out-of-this-world fantastic. It surely met deep needs all over the place, and (1) I want to revel in the atmosphere all over again and hear what I may have missed, and (2) share it with family–there’s no way I can tell it like I heard it! Thanks.”
One HERITAGE OF HOPE alumni received a special thank you from a daughter. It seems the estate of the daughter’s in-laws is a quagmire of family conflict, an overabundance of possessions, and there is no plan for dealing with the failing health of the remaining parent. Supporting her husband as he attends to such a problematic estate, the alumni’s daughter recognized anew the gift her parents had given her by means of HERITAGE OF HOPE. She especially thanked them for downsizing and moving to a condo while they were still able to do so. How encouraging! Pre-planning requires thought, research, prayer, discussion, and follow-through but there are many benefits for you and your adult children.”
I was invited to this by my mom. I came with great hesitancy. I thought it was unnecessary and discouraging. I found it to be just the opposite. Thank you!”
A dedicated, well-loved teacher recently finished well. Putting her affairs in order became doable when a friend gave her our HERITAGE OF HOPE Workbook. Weakened by a very long illness, she tackled just one workbook section at a time. Even though she was very sick, this dear lady was then able to voice her wishes clearly and spare her family confusion and conflict. She and her husband had both been married before, so their family situation was especially complex. According to her friend, our workbook was just the tool she needed to Finish Life Well.”
Takeaway—I still do have control of my life, and choices to make. It was very rich with personal stories. Much ministry took place. God’s love was felt all around us, not just the speaker. One lady was dying; many were very much involved in the process with family.”
One innovative lady utilized the services of Willamette National’s Cemetery and the VA after attending our 2013 HERITAGE OF HOPE event. She and her sisters, as children, had not been allowed to attend their father’s funeral or speak of him after his death. Courtesy of the VA, she had his military medals reproduced and collected family photos to make herself and her sisters Creative Memories books to recapture their family heritage. Then, fifty years later to the day of his death, these women gathered together to release grief, find closure, and honor their father in a sacred ceremony at Willamette National. How freeing and healing!”
I enjoy wonderful health, so I was surprised—no, shocked—to be admitted to the hospital for surgery within an hour of experiencing intense pain. As the surgeon explained possible outcomes, I recognized in his list the very thing from which my best friend had died. It was a sobering moment, a moment to seek the Father. As I began to pray, I remembered I had already written and tucked away letters to my husband and my children. There were many things I still wanted to do, say, hear, and write, but those I love most would know my heart. If Jesus called me home, it was okay with me. I was ready—thanks to HERITAGE OF HOPE.”
Huge segment of society could benefit from the positive attitude. Took the sting out of death in one afternoon! Death is not always a tragedy; can also be a kindness and done with courtesy. God used your spirit-filled team in a mighty way.”
I recently had an adult child of a HERITAGE OF HOPE alumni tell me, “I love HERITAGE OF HOPE!” She explained that she had become the confidant of her ailing father-in-law over frequent lunches. At the end of his life, she very much disliked being in the awkward position of telling the rest of his family the wishes that he had shared only with her. In contrast, her parents have worked through the HERITAGE OF HOPE process—including the important family meeting. Consequently, their wishes, their plans, and their final arrangements are known by all of their adult children and their spouses. This daughter loves HERITAGE OF HOPE because the burden of disclosure will not fall on her again.”
One lady’s mother is suffering with Alzheimer’s, but she realized she could do a scrapbook with her mother while she is still present. How much better to do that now than wait until she is gone!”
I like positive attitude toward older people – that life is not over – finishing well.”
One couple whose financial affairs were complex chose a trust over a will. Their pre-planning was expensive and time consuming. When “complete,” they invited their adult children to a favorite resort area and hosted their first family meeting there. In the midst of recreational opportunities, their children were quite reluctant to discuss end-of-life issues. This couple persevered and shared the details of their trust which included the sale of Dad’s book of business and the appointment of a professional executor. Their family meeting lasted much longer than expected because their grateful children had many questions. To the couple’s delight, dread of the future became informed gratitude. Their family now has a game plan.”
This isn’t just for those in the latest season in life. I’ve gained (age 42) a lot from this session that can be a blessing to my family if I were to die sooner rather than later.”