Ethical Wills: The Great Gift of Legacy by Désirée M. Youngblood

I was very fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with my mother’s parents while I was growing up. Although they lived in Michigan, they spent several months each year in Texas, to be near us. During our time together, they taught us about who they were—their values, dreams and passions. Andy Rooney once said, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” My grandparents were the best teachers I have ever known.

During World War II, my grandfather was trained as a ham-radio operator. After the war, talking on his ham radio became his lifelong hobby. I remember sitting on his lap talking to people all over the world. Because my grandmother was a home economics teacher for more than 30 years, I spent many hours with her, learning how to cook, can and sew.

My favorite time with both of my grandparents was sitting around the kitchen table listening to them talk about who they were and what their values were. They told family stories and shared what they found most important in life. They discussed their faith with me. These are the memories that will last for the rest of my life. These are the memories that tell me who my grandparents really were.

My most treasured gift from my grandparents is a book they wrote for me that tells stories from their lives and reveals what they valued and found important. Such a book is an ethical will. Even though I remember them telling me these stories, I go back and read their book often. Every time I read it, I feel like I am back at the kitchen table, listening to them.

Get tips on writing your own ethical will—how and when to write it, and learn how many it can benefit. Read the full article by subscribing to Horizons, or ordering the November/December 2011 issue (HZN11250; $4 plus shipping) or by calling 866/802-3635.

Désirée M. Youngblood is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky. She has been interested in older adult ministries since she visited her first nursing home as an elementary school student. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry.

Illustration: Motherhood by Marietjie Henning (MarietjieH@mbombela.gov.za).

Other Articles Online This Issue

Hearing Stories That Can Not Yet Be Told
To Every Season
Ethical Wills: the Great Gift of Legacy
Fellowship of the Lease Coin
Virtually PW (What One PW Is Doing)
Resurrection Parenting (Faithful Parenting)


Get tips on writing your own ethical will—how and when to write it, and learn how many it can benefit. Read the full article by subscribing to Horizons, or ordering the November/ December 2011 issue (HZN11250; $4 plus shipping) or by calling 866/802-3635.	Ethical Wills: The Great Gift of Legacy by Désirée M. Youngblood I was very fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with my mother’s parents while I was growing up. Although they lived in Michigan, they spent several months each year in Texas, to be near us. During our time together, they taught us about who they were—their values, dreams and passions. Andy Rooney once said, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” My grandparents were the best teachers I have ever known. During World War II, my grandfather was trained as a ham-radio operator. After the war, talking on his ham radio became his lifelong hobby. I remember sitting on his lap talking to people all over the world. Because my grandmother was a home economics teacher for more than 30 years, I spent many hours with her, learning how to cook, can and sew. My favorite time with both of my grandparents was sitting around the kitchen table listening to them talk about who they were and what their values were. They told family stories and shared what they found most important in life. They discussed their faith with me. These are the memories that will last for the rest of my life. These are the memories that tell me who my grandparents really were. My most treasured gift from my grandparents is a book they wrote for me that tells stories from their lives and reveals what they valued and found important. Such a book is an ethical will. Even though I remember them telling me these stories, I go back and read their book often. Every time I read it, I feel like I am back at the kitchen table, listening to them. Get tips on writing your own ethical will—how and when to write it, and learn how many it can benefit. Read the full article by subscribing to Horizons, or ordering the November/December 2011 issue (HZN11250; $4 plus shipping) or by calling 866/802-3635. Désirée M. Youngblood is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Paris, Kentucky. She has been interested in older adult ministries since she visited her first nursing home as an elementary school student. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry. Illustration: Motherhood by Marietjie Henning (MarietjieH@mbombela.gov.za). Other Articles Online This Issue Hearing Stories That Can Not Yet Be Told To Every Season Ethical Wills: the Great Gift of Legacy Fellowship of the Lease Coin Virtually PW (What One PW Is Doing) Resurrection Parenting (Faithful Parenting)	Current Issue NOV/DEC 2011 About This Issue Contents FREE Resource How to Use In Our Next Issue to Horizons or call (866) 802-3635 the November/ December 2011 issue, HZN-11-250 ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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