Ethical Wills, Post-Hospital Recovery, and Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts

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An ethical will isn’t a legal document — it’s a personal one. Instead of dividing property or finances, it shares the values, stories, and lessons you want your loved ones to remember. It’s a letter from the heart: a way to express what mattered most to you and why, so those who come after you have more than memories — they have guidance.

The best ethical wills are written in your natural voice. You might reflect on what you’ve learned about kindness, perseverance, or forgiveness, or describe moments that shaped your character. Some people include advice they wish they’d been given, or gratitude for people who helped along the way. Others write about faith, family traditions, or the meaning behind certain heirlooms.

There’s no right length or format. It can be a handwritten letter, a recorded message, or a short essay. Some people add poems, favorite quotes, or photos to make it more personal. What matters most is that it feels authentic — a window into who you are and what you hope your family carries forward.

You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” time to begin; starting with a single page is often enough to set the tone for something deeply lasting.

If you’d like help crafting an ethical will that reflects your voice and values, reply “ethical will” for a free consultation on how to create one that truly honors your legacy.

💌 If you found these ideas helpful, forward this newsletter to a friend — sharing stories and values now can mean more than any inheritance later.

“The Wooden Ladder”
From the life overview of Evelyn B., 83, Portland, OR. Shared with permission.

For decades, the wooden ladder has been in my garage. Worn smooth from countless climbs, the ladder now leans against the rafters. My husband built it himself, sanding every rung and coating it with varnish that smells faintly of pine and sawdust, even after all these years. I remember the first time I climbed that ladder to retrieve a box of holiday decorations; my knees trembled, and my hands were sticky with sweat, but the thrill of being ten feet off the ground was intoxicating.

Over the years, the ladder became more than a tool. I’ve used it to paint walls, hang lights, prune branches, and peek over fences. Each rung carries a memory—the careful balance when I decorated the tree with our daughter, the excitement of fixing the attic window before a storm, the quiet moments I spent dusting forgotten corners, or the echo of people I’ve loved and lost.

One spring afternoon, I climbed the ladder to hang wind chimes in the sunlit yard. The breeze stirred the leaves, and the chimes tinkled softly, filling the garden with delicate music. I paused on the second-highest rung, inhaling the scent of fresh soil and blooming flowers and feeling the ladder beneath me, sturdy and familiar.

It’s funny how an ordinary object can hold a lifetime of memories. The ladder taught me that elevation isn’t just physical—it’s a perspective. It’s a way to look at life from a higher vantage, to see small details and fleeting moments, and to appreciate the balance that carries you through them.

***

The Archive Room (BBC)
The BBC Archive offers rare interviews, historic broadcasts, and themed collections spanning decades of radio and television history. It’s thoughtfully organized and easy to explore at whatever pace feels right.

Harvard Art Museums: Collections Online
This digital collection includes paintings, prints, textiles, photographs, and objects from around the world, all presented with clear notes and high-resolution images. It’s an inviting place to spend time with art at your own pace.

U.S. National Archives: Featured Records
The National Archives provides digitized letters, photographs, maps, government documents, and historical records. The catalog is easy to search and browse, offering a steady, thoughtful way to explore American history from home.

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Instagram can be a simple way to keep up with loved ones without needing to post anything yourself. You can follow your children, grandchildren, friends, or community groups and see their updates in one place. Here’s how to get started and how to use a few helpful features once you’re comfortable.

Download the Instagram app on your phone:
• iPhone
• Android

Open the app and create an account with your email or mobile number. Instagram’s signup instructions are here.

To find people you know, tap the magnifying-glass icon and type their name or username. When you see the correct person, tap “Follow.” Their posts will now appear in your Home feed (the house icon).

You don’t need to post photos to use Instagram. You can simply open the app once a day and scroll through updates. Double-tap a photo to “like” it, tap the speech-bubble icon to leave a comment, and tap the photo once if you want to read the caption.

If you want your account to stay private, go to your profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Account privacy → turn on “Private account.”

Instagram has features that help you control what you see. You can tap “Following” on someone’s profile and choose “Favorites” to make their posts show up higher in your feed. You can also “Mute” someone if you want to stay connected but see fewer posts from them.

You can also follow interest-based accounts—local museums, parks, travel groups, or hobby communities—and organize them using the “Following” page filters.

A few good habits make Instagram simpler: keep your password written somewhere safe, follow only people you recognize, and review your “Following” list every few months. Once you learn the basics, Instagram becomes an easy way to stay in the loop with the people who matter most.

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Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Singer with a powerhouse voice who left the stage too soon.

ASNJI NIPOJL

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