The Letters I Wrote When I Thought I Was Dying
- maryrburrell
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
How hospice taught me to leave a legacy and live one too.
When I was in hospice, everything changed. Not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, mentally. The world got quieter. And in that quiet, I realized how much I still had to say to the people I love.
That’s when I started writing legacy letters.
These weren’t formal goodbye notes. They were love letters wrapped in truth. A mix of memories, confessions, gratitude, and life lessons. I wrote to my children, my husband, my grandbaby. Much of it hurt to say and all of it helped me heal.
What Are Legacy Letters?
Legacy letters, sometimes called ethical wills are about passing down more than just belongings. They’re a way to share your heart. your beliefs, your memories, your love. It’s all about connection. These letters are the part of you that keeps speaking, long after you’re gone. Something your loved ones can return to, again and again.
In the world of palliative care, these letters are often encouraged because they help patients find peace, purpose, and closure. And for families? They become priceless.
I didn’t write them because I was told to. I wrote them because I had something to say and I wasn’t sure I’d have another chance.
One quote I included in more than one letter still brings me to tears:
From Final Words to a Living Legacy
Here’s the beautiful twist, I didn’t die in hospice. I survived.
And now, those letters? They’re still with me. Still growing. I update them with new reflections and new stories. I don’t wait for a crisis to speak love anymore and I make it part of my life. These letters have become a living, breathing part of who I am.
Why This Matters
Studies show that legacy work, writing letters, filming video messages, sharing memories—can improve emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and create lasting connections between generations. This isn’t really about dying, it’s about how we choose to live and love right now.
You don’t need a diagnosis to write one. You don’t need a reason beyond the love you feel. Start small. One person. One letter. One truth.
You never know what that might mean to someone later or how healing it might be for you right now.
Want to Start Your Own?
I’ve created a free starter guide and a few prompts to help you write your first legacy letter. 👉Download it now.
Your story matters. Your words have power. And it's never too early or too late to say what really counts.
If this guide helps you start your own legacy letter, I’d love to hear about it. You can always reach me through my website or leave a comment below.❤️🩹🥑
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