My husband asked me that question before too - we tried different time frames, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year. If I only had 24 hours left, there really isn't too much time to do anything too differently. I think I'd be on phone with family/friends to say last goodbyes and to let them know how much I appreciated having known them, and then writing down some last memoirs for my husband and kids.
I'm a practical person so I think I would also devote a portion of my time to make sure all finances are in order and that proper arrangements have been made to ensure the my parents, husband, and kids are well-cared for. I like to think I'd spend the last moments doing something happy with my family and reminding them not to be too sad when I am gone - that if they miss me, they can find me in their memories and in their hearts.
Excellent post, sumatranate!
@sizzlingmonkeys, thanks for the kind words. I like that you are doing life well now so if death is near you don't have to change things too much.
I appreciate the addition about making sure finances are in order rot make sure that your loved ones are cared for. That reminds me to talk more with my wife about our finances. I want to make sure she understands those important pieces of information. I don't want to leave her scrambling around and feeling lost financially if something were to happen to me.
Most normal bank accounts don't require too much extra work - just make sure you have your beneficiary information filled out and kept up to date. It might be helpful to have a master list of account information kept somewhere safe (like in a safe deposit box) so she can access the information easily. Having enough liquidity to tide her through at least the first few months will probably be helpful too.
Yes, the master list of account information is what I am talking about.
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