The Wisdom of Planning

The Patchwork Quilt by the Door and the Model "T" in the Garage

The colorful patchwork quilt that Grandma Connie bought while on a trip to Pennsylvania greets all who enter her home. The quilt is a very special reminder of a carefree time when she and her husband, Houston, traveled the world. A green sticker has been placed on the quilt. Jenny, Connie's granddaughter knows that some day that quilt will be hers. Jenny chose green stickers to help identify various mementos; all the "things" that are tagged in green will be hers someday.

Houston and his grandson, Steve, have been out in the garage most of the day tinkering on his prized antique Model "T". He wants Steve to have the Model "T" in the future and together they tag the steering wheel and put Steve's name on it.

Connie and Houston have been planning for the day when they will eventually leave this world and move on to the next. They have very specific wishes for their loved ones and they do not want to leave their family with anything but fond memories. They have let their family know that they want a simple funeral home memorial service, after which they wish to be cremated, and then have their ashes spread over the waters of Lake Michigan.

It is a special place; they have spent many summer vacations at the family cottage. In fact, not only do they tell their children that they want their ashes spread over the lake, they also want to have a special celebration with "It Had Be You", sung by Frank Sinatra, to be played. They leave no detail to chance, as even the menu is planned. A feast of baked Salmon, fresh melons, and strawberry pie are to be served. Moreover, no celebration would be complete without Champagne. They have requested that it, too, is to be served.

The family, after listening to their parent's request for their farewell party, has a sense of calm, knowing that Mom and Dad have taken the time to prepare for the inevitable. They know what funeral home to call, what type of service they want, and that everything is paid for already. There will be no financial worries connected with their celebration.

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The Way of Heaven does not compete, and yet it skillfully achieves victory. It does not speak, and yet it skillfully responds to things. It comes to you without your invitation.--Chinese Sage