A geriatrics and palliative care doctor has conversed with countless patients near the end of their lives. The most common emotion expressed? Regret. They regret broken relationships, unexpressed feelings, and how they will be remembered. Consequently, this doctor has come up with the idea to write a last letter to loved ones, expressing those harbored feelings. A free letter template was developed with seven life review tasks: acknowledging important people in our lives, remembering treasured moments, apologizing to those we have hurt, forgiving those who have hurt us, and saying “thank you,” “I love you,” and “goodbye.” Seemingly intuitive, most often individuals leave these questions unanswered, and family members wind up with regret. Undoubtedly, this may be the most important letter you will ever write.
See VJ Periyakoil, Writing a ‘Last Letter’ When You’re Healthy, NY Times, September 7, 2016.
Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) & Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
