What To Do After I Die

At a certain point in life, we all start to think about our exits. Some of us think about the well being of our loved ones. Others think about money, home, or our legacies. We all want to die knowing those we left behind will be okay.

Since we never know when our number will be up, it behooves us to plan ahead.

This is what I want my husband to know should I kick the bucket first.

If I died suddenly, assemble a team. Call one of my sisters, a niece, or our best friends. Let them help you make calls, make arrangements, clean house, go through my things, or sit with you to talk. You want someone with you right now. You won't remember everything that needs to be done.
Make funeral arrangements. Read my lips. Do NOT spend a lot of money. Cremate me and put me in a simple container. I will not be offended if you put me in an old mayonnaise jar. If the funeral director doesn't believe you, show him this post.
Say goodbye for me. You know some of my online and offline friends. Let them know I'm gone so they can get the word out to those you don't know. I don't want anyone to think I'm being rude because I haven't answered their email.
On my computer, under the folder, Book Cover Diva, click over to Contracts to see if I owe anyone a cover. Let them know I won't have internet where I'm going. :)
Check my password book if you need to get into any of my accounts. Close Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, and Wordpress within a month of my passing.
Check my pockets before donating my clothes. I always squirrel away folding money here and there.
Speaking of donating...donate my art supplies and art books to a school or any one student with an empty wallet.
Republish my books if you so desire. Since publishing is not your forte, contact one of my writer friends for help. They'll put you in contact with someone who can do that for you.
Email: Leave it up for a while if you want, but unsubscribe from any emails that are not personal correspondence. If I do get emails from friends, let them know I'm busy haunting people. If they want to get on the ~~haunt~~ call list, tell them to say my name three times out loud and I'll stop by at my earliest convenience.
Money: We both know where the money is so I won't have to worry about that. Don't overspend, but do take care of yourself.
When I die, ask the funeral director for at least ten copies of my death certificate. You'll need them to close or change accounts with financial institutions and for survivor benefits.
Cancel my driver's license.
Get me off the voter registration rolls.
Cancel my health insurance. It's too late for me now. :)
Make a will. If we haven't already done this, make out your will, or revise it.
House: For the love of God, please hire a housekeeper. You are a wonderful husband, but a lousy housekeeper. You need someone to clean.
Speaking of the house, I know you love this place, but I hope you'll consider moving to a smaller home with a large shop. It's too much house for the two of us. It's ginormous for just one.
Socialize. I know you. You'll isolate yourself. Instead, I want you to join clubs and workshops for the hobbies you love. Talk to people. Make friends.
Farm animals. Sell them. They were always my responsibility anyway. You don't need to shoulder that alone.
Nana, Jammy, and Odin: I don't have to worry about them. I know you'll take good care of them. But go easy on the treats. If they get fat, I'm coming back to yell at you.
Downsize. Get rid of my stuff. All of it. Give it to people who'll appreciate it.
My ashes. You know what to do. Spread them over a meadow mixed with my Chelly's ashes. I'm willing to bet she's the first one I'll see at Rainbow Bridge.

Me and all our kids will be waiting for you on the other side. Take your time. We can wait.

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What did I miss? What would you tell your loved ones?

If you're reading this, are you also thinking about Covid 19?
Check out these posts for more information on staying safe.

What You Need To Know About Coronavirus
How To Fight Coronavirus at Home
How To Hunker Down
Looking For Clues During a Pandemic
The Other Side of Isolation

An updated post on dying: When A Loved One Dies In Your Home

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