My Last Wishes...: A Journal of Life, Love, Laughs, & a Few Final Notes [Hardcover]

Joy Meredith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2007

If you're like most people, you've probably wondered what will happen after you're gone. What will you wear to your funeral? What will your obituary say? Will the people in your life know that you loved them? Formatted like a journal and intermingled with charmingly helpful tips and witty, expert advice, My Last Wishes provides you with the chance to leave behind the answers to these questions and many more. It's the ultimate gift to give yourself and your loved ones. What's more, filling it out inspires you to treasure your life today, and look forward to the life you have yet to live.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Provides us with a guide for invaluable conversations so that we can make this vital passage more peaceful.” (Virginia Morris, author of Talking About Death and How to Care for Aging Parents )

“A wonderful and easy-to-use resource for everyone and especially for those facing a life-challenging illness.” (David Kessler, author of The Needs of the Dying and On Grief and Grieving with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross )

About the Author

Joy Meredith, after losing many of the people she has loved, has found herself an expert at appreciating life and discussing death. She knows firsthand how important communication on every level is with those you hold dear. A former award-winning sales professional for Sony, currently working on entrepreneurial projects, she lives in the Chicago area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (January 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061122947
• ISBN-13: 978-0061122941
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,219 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have .... Must Read ....... Must Share !!, February 20, 2007

By 

J Ross 2007 (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Last Wishes...: A Journal of Life, Love, Laughs, & a Few Final Notes (Hardcover)

I am not one to go on and on about how things can and should be done. Everyone has their own way through life, but this book is a great way to take stock of where you are in life and how you would want your life and death to be remembered and handled by those who you are leaving behind.

Why did I buy my first copy? Several of my good friends have lost their parents and grandparents in the past 12 months, and were really left numb while they confronted the last days and moments without any ideas of what do to do or say. After seeing and reading through this book in a local bookstore, I ordered 10 copies to share with them and a few others that are facing similar situations now.

I am already getting positive feedback from a friend who lost his dad last summer, ("I wish I had this 9 months ago."). I know my other friends aren't ready for this, or may be reluctant to face it, but I know when I look at how an unplanned death is handled it can be brutal and unforgiving; I will not leave that burden with my wife, child or parent. (Think about the mess going on with Anna Nicole Smith, if you doubt how tragic it can be. What is her daughter going to know about her mother's wishes for her life? NOTHING!)

I would recommend getting a copy for you and your loved ones. Especially for those you don't want to make the tough decisions for. Like to be left on life support or not; cremated -vs- buried; what to do with their kids, belongings and memories; who or what was your greatest loves and memories?

Since taxes and death are inevitable, why not plan to make your loved one's memories good ones, not painful second guesses?

BTW, it is a very good read, so don't be afraid you are sending a "Death Wish" to your friends or coworkers. You are giving them a little bit of love and food for thought!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "My Last Wishes" is something everyone should read for themselves and everyone that loves them., March 21, 2007

By 

Gustav "Gustav" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Last Wishes...: A Journal of Life, Love, Laughs, & a Few Final Notes (Hardcover)

In the process of grieving for the sudden lost of a loved one, this book caught my eye and made me hopeful that the inevitable passing of future family and friends, and myself, may not be so difficult on the ones left behind.
The author somehow makes a simple read out of a taboo subject. Educational, sometimes witty, and straight to the point, this book covers everything you need to know about planning how you would like to be remembered and what you would like happen when your time is up. Good for the young and old alike. A great gift for those that you love.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should have this book!, March 16, 2007

By 

Planning for the Future (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Last Wishes...: A Journal of Life, Love, Laughs, & a Few Final Notes (Hardcover)

We all know of stories where a loved one passes on and no one can speak to their wishes. Wouldn't it be easier to tell our loved ones what we would like? This book is the tool! It's an easy to fill out journal that covers a variety of areas including your life, how you envision your final service and how to plan ahead. Even though it's a heavy topic the book takes a serious but light look at important issues. Do your loved ones a favor and let them know your wishes using this book!