How do you want to be remembered? What will your lasting legacy be?
The sooner you start thinking about these questions, the more time you have to shape the impression you're going to leave. You have many ways to build a legacy. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Values and Reputation
Our lives have many different aspects. We have our family, friends, jobs, hobbies, and other activities.
In all of these contexts, people will remember your values and the type of connection they had with you. We can't all be the hero or the star. We can all be true to our values.
Trying to live in a way that embodies what you believe in is hard. Most of us work at it our entire lives. The benefits for your relationships and your reputation are worth the effort.
Being authentic is the start of leaving a lasting legacy.
Assets and Meaningful Possessions
The assets and meaningful possessions you leave for your beneficiaries are another way people will remember you. You may choose to leave an inheritance for members of your family or a favourite charity. You can leave a lasting contribution to society.
An inheritance usually passes to the beneficiary after the owner passes away. Canadians increasingly choose to distribute part of their estate while they're still alive, though. You can see the positive impact your assets have on your adult children or other beneficiaries.
Your possessions can have an emotional significance far beyond their monetary value. Even simple items like books or dishes will remind your family and friends of you. Your loved ones will think of the times you spent together whenever they use a favourite chair, glass, or cookbook.
Good Preparation
Most people don't want to think about what will happen after they die. However, providing clear instructions for your assets and end-of-life choices reduces stress for your loved ones. You can prepay the cost of funeral services and interment to lower the expenses your family may face.
Your family avoids the problems that can result from differing expectations about inheritance. They can focus on their positive memories of you. They'll appreciate that you thought to lessen the burden of their grief.
A Quality Monument
A quality monument gives your loved ones another way to remember you. It can be personalized to give insight into who you are. You can have an epitaph like a philosophical or religious saying engraved on it.
You can choose from a variety of formats to fit your final wishes. Choices range from bronze plaques and vases to upright markers and elaborate monuments. Different sizes, shapes, and colours are available.
Granite is one of the most popular materials for grave markers. It's durable, beautiful, and cost-effective. Marble is another option.
You can use bronze for a flat marker or plaque. Bronze is a more expensive material, though.
Some cemeteries have rules around the size, materials, and design of headstones. A quality monument company will work with you to create a memorial that meets these requirements.
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
You're already shaping how you'll be remembered. The experiences you share now with your family and friends are creating lasting memories. The assets you leave behind, whether monetary or sentimental, also build your legacy.
Planning ahead for end-of-life decisions is another way to show your loved ones how much you care.
You can trust Somerville Memorials to help you plan your gravestone. We've been helping families in Alberta since 1903. Our quality memorials and monuments create a lasting impression of the person you are.
How do you want to be remembered? Contact Somerville Memorials today to start finding the answer.