Most people think a legacy is the money or property they will leave someone when they die. But your legacy can be so much more!

My grandma Ruth was a wise woman who lived through several wars, outlived two husbands, read thousands of books, ate chocolate every day, and died peacefully at the age of 98. She left a wonderful legacy for her family—and it didn’t include money at all.

Grandma Ruth did many things to pass on her legacy to her family.

Photos- Grandma had taken all those old family photos that were sitting in boxes for years and

organized them. She labeled them with names and dates and how each person was related to her. We are now able to look through several albums (and 100+ years) of our family history.

Jewelry- Grandma Ruth always had amazing jewelry. Grandma gave away these pieces while she was still alive. When I graduated high school, I received her emerald ring (her second wedding ring) that I have loved since I was a little girl. The Christmas before I got married she gave me her pearl necklace, which I wore on my wedding day! She was able to share with each person her memories of each piece and experienced the joy of her gifts to others.

Recipes- I love to bake and one of my favorite recipes was Grandma’s rum cake. Instead of keeping the recipe a secret—as so many people do—Grandma gave me a copy. Who knew she cut it out of the local newspaper! I still make rum cake every Christmas and think of her every time.

Memoires- Grandma Ruth typed up her memoire. She wrote stories about growing up in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, her obsession with maple candy as her daddy was from Vermont, and how she met my grandpa. Stories I had never heard while she was alive, but these typed pages serve as a legacy of lasting memories.

You can be a Legacy Rock Star just like Grandma Ruth! Consider photocopying a few of your recipes for loved ones. Write up your favorite memories and wrap as a gift to your children on their birthday. Or start organizing old photos. These treasures will outlive any monies you leave and will serve as your lasting legacy.

To schedule Becky to speak at your event or organization on “Leaving Your Lasting Legacy,” contact her at:

480-497-3770. 

For more information on estate planning or probate visit www.gilbertlawoffice.com.