The Widow’s Den w/ Monica Lucia – Do You Have Your Ducks in a Row?

What does this idiom mean? 

It means being well prepared or organized for something that will happen. Too many times, I have heard someone say I wish we had our ducks in a row before my sweetheart died.

Where do I start?

I also had that problem, which is why I wrote a book. (The Final Chapter out on Amazon.) *There will also be a Getting Your Ducks in a Row Event on Feb 21st at Bin110 at 5:30.

In the meantime, Grief is challenging enough for your family. What to do next after you pass shouldn’t be. Your end-of-life plan should include your care preferences and the extent of medical interventions and measures.

So, How Do I Make End-Of-Life Plans? 

To make an end-of-life plan, consider your wishes for medical care, funeral arrangements, and financial assets. You can also name the power of attorney and create a legal document called an advance directive. 

Medical care 

• Decide where you want to die
• Decide what type of medical care you want
• Decide whether you want life-extending treatments
• Talk to your doctor about your wishes

Funeral arrangements: Decide on your funeral and burial arrangements, Pre-fund them, Buy a casket or urn, Purchase burial plots, and Write your obituary. 

Financial assets 

• Make a list of your assets
• Consider your estate plan, including a last will and testament or trust
• Name beneficiaries for your life insurance
• Consult a financial planner to understand your assets and how to distribute them

Legal documents

• Create an advanced directive to document your preferences for treatment and care 
• Sign a power of attorney to name someone to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated 
• Consult a lawyer to create legal documents to ensure your wishes are followed 

You can also talk to family and friends about your end-of-life plan. 

Write Secret Notes of Love

When it comes to your End-of-Life planning, your thoughtful actions before death can give your loved ones a greater sense of comfort. Handling your arrangements is a last gift of peace for your family.  Often, people have asked me when they should write notes to their loved ones. I say it’s never too early because it can be too late; we are never promised tomorrow, so if you want to communicate your love, apologize, or mend relationships on a passing note, now is the time. If you want to leave a legacy of principles, values, hopes, and dreams for your family and friends with fond memories, consider crafting those letters now. It is heart-wrenching writing but worth the reward for your family to find. 

Reminder Event:  Getting Your Ducks In a Row                                               Hosts: Monica Lucia and Johnathan Kepner                                                       Where: Bin 110 Feb 21st at 5:30 pm                    

The Final Chapter –

Monica Lucia is the Author of The Final Chapter and a passionate advocate for those navigating grief and loss. She is the Founder of Widow’s Den and Sisterhood of LKN, dedicated to supporting families In addition to her writing and community-building work, Monica is the Grief and Bereavement Counselor at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville and Denver.