We are publishing this post on Monday, Valentine’s Day, instead of Tuesday, because we have an important message about how our love can be much bigger than hearts, flowers, loving sentiments, kisses, or hugs.

It may be easier to buy a box of chocolates, perhaps, than delve into this topic – but – the legacy of doing these simple things will reverberate with your loved ones in a far deeper and meaningful way that will carry your embrace far longer than the chocolates ever will.

What am I talking about?

Did you know?

Somebody is going to leave.

Yes. Leave.

It might be you first or it may be your loved one.

Age or state of health does not matter at all.

We. Are. Going. To. Die.

Somebody is going to be left behind.

So. Before you go … do this today.

Share. Share your knowledge.

If a clot hits your brain like a bullet train at rush hour five minutes from now, would there be anyone at your job or in your house who knows how to carry on?

Would they know how to write a check, order supplies, know when the next shipment is coming in, how to start the lawn mower, or turn off the water in case of a leak?

Would your family know what your favorite hymns were? Did you want to be cremated? Where did you want your ashes scattered? Is there an insurance policy? Where is it?

So many questions.

Often, there are too few answers for the ones we professed to love who are now going out of their broken minds and hearts trying to navigate on their own without a map or compass.

Their confusion and lack of direction is under our control – until it isn’t.

So, before you go, please click on each link to download Talking Points for The Conversation and The Business Side of Dying Checklist to start the ball rolling today on Valentine’s Day – the day of love.

In these two downloads, you will discover issues that are of immediate concern today – before you go – that help smooth transitions through normal stages of life, death, and survivorship.

Instead of another giant stuffed teddy bear the dog may destroy in a day, how about sharing some real love for when either you or your loved one is left behind?

It’s a gift that will keep on giving.

These two downloads are from my double book: Toolkit for Caregivers. Please share the love by clicking on the MORE button below.

In love and health-

Deidre