So, how many have signed up for your Kick the Bucket List club? It's interesting to consider that in order to get married, you must have two witnesses (and if you don't have two readily available, you must pay for them)--but you can die, unwitnessed. But pay for other things, of course.
Do you know the story of Greyfriars Bobby? It's a very true and heartrending story of a Skye Terrier who kept watch over his late owner's grave for 14 years (in Edinburgh, circa the 1860s). The first thing I wanted to do in Edinburgh was see his monument...
The business aspect is kinda heavy tho, to accept responsibility to tidy loose ends, to transfer said pup, or ensure ashes of sins stay with their mothers…
I wouldn’t think of it as a club as much as a business that would replace professional executors. (Cause this is what they do). My neighbor who passed a year and a half ago had an attorney who took care of all this for her, and he had things all lined up to : sell her car, sell her condo, donate to her charities as she wished, notify whomever, had a professional estate closer person who went in and cleaned out the stuff (donatable, sale able or trash) then professional cleaned the condo, took care of getting her cats moved to new family etc. it’s pricey, but worth it. I don’t know if they have executor attorneys in Canada who do this like they do here, but…
A club of people who gather others to attend funerals might be fun tho… like a group in every city who has “free mourners”?! 🤪 and hey, they’d get a meal outta it at the reception!
Lol Teyani, that funeral club is no joke. At my son's service, total strangers showed up. They were lovely people who came to support a random family (mine), but nobody knew who they were.
Seriously though, the affiliate program or kick (the bucket) back, idea is something that I bet funeral businesses may jump on.
And as for funerals, a relative died recently and the funeral is an invitation only event, although you could request to be invited. I would be curious as to how funeral traditions have changed since covid.
Ask me. I had my son’s service during Covid and we canceled many times due to restrictions. We ended up doing it nearly a year later.
Speaking of invite-only….we actually had people show up who didn’t even know us lol. Strangers showed up just to support the family. Funeral crashers are legit 😆
Hahaha nope! We weren't allowed food at services in 2021. Still under pandemic rules. They legit just showed up to support...my mom's church is full of do-gooders.
On the seriously practical level, if you don't have a will and a letter of intent that you leave with your executor, write a letter of things you want done post-demise and leave it on your refrigerator in an envelope clearly marked along the lines of "In case of my death, please take care of these things ASAP." In it, give marching orders for your substack, your dog, all the things that really matter to you in the way you would do it. Give a copy of it to your Mom and Jennifer, too, in case they don't pre-decease you.
Elizabeth, this is just the kick in the pants I needed. I had started on all of this a few years ago but let it fall by the wayside. I need to get back on it!
Sounds good to me. BTW, my best friend has already planned to have her ashes packed in fireworks. Me? Set mine afloat on a biodegradable wreath off the coast of Ventura CA.
OMG tell your best friend I want to be notified of the blast off! That's amazing. Where does she live because I've heard it's not legal in certain places.
Also, your idea sounds dreamy. What a peaceful way to go out.
I'll inform your subscribers of your untimely death. However Junter S Thompson asked Johnny Depp to blow his ashes into the stratosphere in 50-ft cannon...so just sayin', but we can make a better plan for potential passing ;)
That is honestly a terrific concept, and very much needed. I really do hope one of your followers who has more organizational and technical talent than I do takes the baton.
So wonderful that you visited loved ones on mama’s day.
I love your idea. It could be an app. I had a similar idea but for college kids who have no family nearby and get sick. Rent A Mom. Only it would be all volunteer.
OMG what a beautiful idea!!! I love that so much, it’s right up there with my mom’s grandsons club. She used to work with a bunch of young men (around my son’s age) and she always brought baking and stuff to work for them. She called it her grandsons club 😊
So Iost a dear friend to cancer a few years back and her profile and account still shows up on my Facebook feed. I am sure that no one in her family has access to close it.
Or maybe they don't want to. I have access to close my son's account, but even after nearly five years, I haven't yet because of Facebook memories that pop up between him and me.
I learned that you can request Facebook to archive it into a "memorial" account but I don't know what that entails because I never tried it.
My sister did that for my late brothers account but it took her a while to find out how and I don't know myself. I'm just glad I screenshot my last text message to him,not knowing it would be that.
My MIL wants her ashes to be turned into a diamond (that’s a thing) that my wife can wear when she’s gone. And that our daughter can wear when my wife’s gone.
Henny, it's amazing what they can do with ashes. I found a glass blower just outside my city that makes beautiful glass orbs that glow in the dark, and he puts loved ones cremains in them. They are gorgeous and I purchased 4 of them after my son died. His kids love the glow in the dark part 😊
You know, I've often thought that the best business I could ever have is coming up with business ideas for other people, developing the brand and marketing, and then selling it to them, because I get a dozen new ideas per day!!! I also have a long list of domain names to prove it. LOL!
This is a good one and I can relate to most of my friends being online people. No one is gonna show up at my funeral, unless there's a gift or money attached for attendees.
Lol I also have a few people that would only show up if money was attached. Sad truth about humans.
By the sounds of your business thoughts, you'd be the perfect candidate to buy the one I'm currently putting together 😁 It's right up your alley and almost fully built out and ready.
LOL! My wife often jokes about how it’s amazing I’ve stayed with her so long when everything else in my life has a shelf life. She definitely endures a lot with me.
This is such a brilliant idea. I have actually just started a Trello board with all of my passwords, websites and business stuff. Mainly because we are sorting out my father in laws estate (no will, lived abroad - total nightmare) and I would hate to leave such a mess for my kids or husband.
Also as a knitter - we have long joked in knitty circles that we need to allocate a Yarn Executor. Someone who can dispose of our stored yarn and projects with love and make sure it all goes to good homes.
Louise, isn't it funny how it all comes into perspective once you lose someone and theirs is a nightmare? I had plenty to look sort out after my son died. 28 year olds don't have wills lol. But they sure have a lot of internet spaces and passwords.
I love that idea with your yarn group. Only they could truly appreciate the work 😊
Oh goodness, I can imagine. Traditional wills and bereavement services barely touch on digital assets do they but they are an increasing part of our lives.
What a fabulous idea! I can just see my kids going through my million art supplies and wondering if I will come from the dead to haunt them if they just chuck it all out after knowing how precious they are to me.
Lol Barb, my mother has that craft room and I'll be the one left to deal with it 😁 I already know that I'll just list the whole shebang for sale for one big price and the buyer can show up with a front loader hahahaa
So, how many have signed up for your Kick the Bucket List club? It's interesting to consider that in order to get married, you must have two witnesses (and if you don't have two readily available, you must pay for them)--but you can die, unwitnessed. But pay for other things, of course.
Do you know the story of Greyfriars Bobby? It's a very true and heartrending story of a Skye Terrier who kept watch over his late owner's grave for 14 years (in Edinburgh, circa the 1860s). The first thing I wanted to do in Edinburgh was see his monument...
Omg that brings a tear to my eye. I don't know that story but I do know of Hatchi, similar concept. The movie ripped my heart out.
THIS is a phenomenal idea. And important.
The business aspect is kinda heavy tho, to accept responsibility to tidy loose ends, to transfer said pup, or ensure ashes of sins stay with their mothers…
I wouldn’t think of it as a club as much as a business that would replace professional executors. (Cause this is what they do). My neighbor who passed a year and a half ago had an attorney who took care of all this for her, and he had things all lined up to : sell her car, sell her condo, donate to her charities as she wished, notify whomever, had a professional estate closer person who went in and cleaned out the stuff (donatable, sale able or trash) then professional cleaned the condo, took care of getting her cats moved to new family etc. it’s pricey, but worth it. I don’t know if they have executor attorneys in Canada who do this like they do here, but…
A club of people who gather others to attend funerals might be fun tho… like a group in every city who has “free mourners”?! 🤪 and hey, they’d get a meal outta it at the reception!
Lol Teyani, that funeral club is no joke. At my son's service, total strangers showed up. They were lovely people who came to support a random family (mine), but nobody knew who they were.
I kinda think it’s lovely 💞 and healing that people go out to support strangers.
I did too ❤️
Seriously though, the affiliate program or kick (the bucket) back, idea is something that I bet funeral businesses may jump on.
And as for funerals, a relative died recently and the funeral is an invitation only event, although you could request to be invited. I would be curious as to how funeral traditions have changed since covid.
Ask me. I had my son’s service during Covid and we canceled many times due to restrictions. We ended up doing it nearly a year later.
Speaking of invite-only….we actually had people show up who didn’t even know us lol. Strangers showed up just to support the family. Funeral crashers are legit 😆
That feels so much better !!
Crashing for a free lunch! omg
Hahaha nope! We weren't allowed food at services in 2021. Still under pandemic rules. They legit just showed up to support...my mom's church is full of do-gooders.
Raises hand.
I'll be there and can bring your stuff. However, I think I'm older than you so there's that.
LOL thank you for the offer!! 😁
I've thought about this. Love your ideas!
On the seriously practical level, if you don't have a will and a letter of intent that you leave with your executor, write a letter of things you want done post-demise and leave it on your refrigerator in an envelope clearly marked along the lines of "In case of my death, please take care of these things ASAP." In it, give marching orders for your substack, your dog, all the things that really matter to you in the way you would do it. Give a copy of it to your Mom and Jennifer, too, in case they don't pre-decease you.
Elizabeth, this is just the kick in the pants I needed. I had started on all of this a few years ago but let it fall by the wayside. I need to get back on it!
Sounds good to me. BTW, my best friend has already planned to have her ashes packed in fireworks. Me? Set mine afloat on a biodegradable wreath off the coast of Ventura CA.
OMG tell your best friend I want to be notified of the blast off! That's amazing. Where does she live because I've heard it's not legal in certain places.
Also, your idea sounds dreamy. What a peaceful way to go out.
I'll inform your subscribers of your untimely death. However Junter S Thompson asked Johnny Depp to blow his ashes into the stratosphere in 50-ft cannon...so just sayin', but we can make a better plan for potential passing ;)
Well thank you for the offer 😁 I will appoint you grim reaper of the pubs.
Sweet, I'll get a chance to use my sickle.
🤣🤣 Even just the word is a once in a lifetime opportunity lol
That is honestly a terrific concept, and very much needed. I really do hope one of your followers who has more organizational and technical talent than I do takes the baton.
I hope so too!! I love the idea but I simply cannot take on another thing lol.
So wonderful that you visited loved ones on mama’s day.
I love your idea. It could be an app. I had a similar idea but for college kids who have no family nearby and get sick. Rent A Mom. Only it would be all volunteer.
OMG what a beautiful idea!!! I love that so much, it’s right up there with my mom’s grandsons club. She used to work with a bunch of young men (around my son’s age) and she always brought baking and stuff to work for them. She called it her grandsons club 😊
Love this. Love your mom. 🥰
I love my mom too 😊
We have this variation and currently no-one in prospect https://veddw.com/general/gifting-the-ephemeral/
So Iost a dear friend to cancer a few years back and her profile and account still shows up on my Facebook feed. I am sure that no one in her family has access to close it.
Or maybe they don't want to. I have access to close my son's account, but even after nearly five years, I haven't yet because of Facebook memories that pop up between him and me.
I learned that you can request Facebook to archive it into a "memorial" account but I don't know what that entails because I never tried it.
My sister did that for my late brothers account but it took her a while to find out how and I don't know myself. I'm just glad I screenshot my last text message to him,not knowing it would be that.
Jane, I can relate. I'm so grateful I have years worth of text and voice notes on WhatsApp from my son. I can still hear his voice whenever I need to.
Good to know. Thank you for sharing…..sweet memories.
My MIL wants her ashes to be turned into a diamond (that’s a thing) that my wife can wear when she’s gone. And that our daughter can wear when my wife’s gone.
Maybe you can do some version of that??
Henny, it's amazing what they can do with ashes. I found a glass blower just outside my city that makes beautiful glass orbs that glow in the dark, and he puts loved ones cremains in them. They are gorgeous and I purchased 4 of them after my son died. His kids love the glow in the dark part 😊
Love this Kristi. I was just chatting with a friend about this very subject. It's a real concern.
It certainly is for single people with not much family left.
You know, I've often thought that the best business I could ever have is coming up with business ideas for other people, developing the brand and marketing, and then selling it to them, because I get a dozen new ideas per day!!! I also have a long list of domain names to prove it. LOL!
This is a good one and I can relate to most of my friends being online people. No one is gonna show up at my funeral, unless there's a gift or money attached for attendees.
Lol I also have a few people that would only show up if money was attached. Sad truth about humans.
By the sounds of your business thoughts, you'd be the perfect candidate to buy the one I'm currently putting together 😁 It's right up your alley and almost fully built out and ready.
Haha. I think my wife will kill me if I take on any more business ideas!!! But I can live vicariously through others.
LOL this is probably the reason I'm not married 😆
LOL! My wife often jokes about how it’s amazing I’ve stayed with her so long when everything else in my life has a shelf life. She definitely endures a lot with me.
this may be brilliant...
This is such a brilliant idea. I have actually just started a Trello board with all of my passwords, websites and business stuff. Mainly because we are sorting out my father in laws estate (no will, lived abroad - total nightmare) and I would hate to leave such a mess for my kids or husband.
Also as a knitter - we have long joked in knitty circles that we need to allocate a Yarn Executor. Someone who can dispose of our stored yarn and projects with love and make sure it all goes to good homes.
Louise, that's funny---a Yarn Executor! If you advertised that position you would have to remind applicants that no strings are attached!
🤣🤣 Your punchline is impeccable.
Louise, isn't it funny how it all comes into perspective once you lose someone and theirs is a nightmare? I had plenty to look sort out after my son died. 28 year olds don't have wills lol. But they sure have a lot of internet spaces and passwords.
I love that idea with your yarn group. Only they could truly appreciate the work 😊
Oh goodness, I can imagine. Traditional wills and bereavement services barely touch on digital assets do they but they are an increasing part of our lives.
What a fabulous idea! I can just see my kids going through my million art supplies and wondering if I will come from the dead to haunt them if they just chuck it all out after knowing how precious they are to me.
Lol Barb, my mother has that craft room and I'll be the one left to deal with it 😁 I already know that I'll just list the whole shebang for sale for one big price and the buyer can show up with a front loader hahahaa