My husband died suddenly in 2001. Fortunately I knew bill-paying and where all of our paperwork was kept. We had also prepared wills and a community property agreement. The prepared paperwork was very effective. But as I was grieving, I realized that I had to prepare new documents. And since we’d had no children, I needed to find someone trustworthy to take care of my affairs. About that time I began working with Honor My Wishes. We were preparing a Guidebook with three sections – Dignity (making sure official documents are in place), Security (having all the financial paperwork in order) and Peace (writing an obituary, eulogy and putting family documents in one place). While working on my Guidebook, I discovered I had no documentation that I owned my home! I searched through paperwork and found that a line of credit, previously repaid, had not been released. It took a while, but eventually I had documents in place recording my home ownership. Through Honor My Wishes I have learned to be open about discussing end of life issues. I have written my obituary and my eulogy (who knows me better than me?!). I have helped acquaintances, college friends and neighbors organize their affairs. It is a privilege helping others with end of life preparation. The volunteers at Honor My Wishes are knowledgeable and more than willing to share their skills with others.
Mary O’Connor,
