Years in advance and periodically updated, written plans were in place for all that was to come after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The code name? London Bridge is Down.
No guesswork, no uncertainties, no multitude of last-minute decisions compounding the grief of the ones left behind.
Our endings surely will not be as intricate and expansive as hers. But there are many options and decisions--personally as well as professionally--that will need to be made, and often quickly.
· Do you have written plans? They can be altered any time, as you wish.
· Do you have notes? That’s a start; helps if your family knows where to find them.
· Have you voiced what you want and do not want? But we hear differently.
· Make a written, audio or video record.
I know, you don't want to think about it. And you're saying, 'I'm healthy, it's too early for this.' Or ‘There’s no time; I’m too busy.’ (My dad always found time ‘on the throne.’ See how this pun just fits 😊)
It’s always too early until it’s too late. Circumstances can change rapidly and without warning. The Queen was jovial just days before, hosting a large, casual gathering for all the cousins and accepting Liz Truss as the new PM. It was unexpected, shocking even, when the Queen declined so very quickly.
· Give your family, especially your family, a gift.
· Request this checklist and read through it. Answer what’s easy with a 'yes’ or a ‘heck no’.
· Don’t compound their grief with all that needs to be done after someone dies.
· For a start, request your memorial service, funeral, and burial checklist here.