What will your Tombstone say?
Our epitaph is the world’s lasting view of us, a summary of our lives, and what we stood for.
What will your tombstone say about you? Entrepreneur, hard worker, professional, scroller of social media, binger of Netflix?
Or it says, most beloved parent, child or spouse?
What do you want it to say? For that is how you must live your life.
We often get busy with the minutiae of life and forget about what is important.
It is your executor who will choose the inscription on your tombstone, so now you know who to impress. Haven’t appointed an executor? Then maybe writing your Will should be the next thing on your To-do list. Contemplating your passing does not have to be scary, it can be a wake-up call – before it’s too late – on what you want from this one short and crazy life!
Here are a few famous tombstones to inspire you.
Emily Dickinson (Author) (1830-1886)
“Called Back”
Referring to the last words that she ever wrote in a letter to her cousins, but also the title of a novella she loved by Hugh Conway.
And not a reference to a phone scam.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
"Good friend for Jesus' sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones."
I think someone was a little concerned about grave robbers. Though probably not unfounded.
Rosa Parks (1913 – 2005)
“Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”
I think we can all agree on that one.
A fitting tribute to her monumental impact on history.
Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."
Churchill's wit and wisdom even in death.
Mel Blanc (1908-1989)
"That's All Folks!"
The famous sign-off of the man behind many beloved cartoon voices.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
"Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I'm Free at last."
Echoing his immortal words from the civil rights movement.
Merv Griffin (1925-2007)
"I will not be right back after this message."
A humorous nod to his career as a television host.
Frank Sinatra (1915-1998)
"The Best Is Yet To Come."
A hopeful message from the legendary singer.
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
"Beren" and "Lúthien"
A touching reference to his epic love story from "The Silmarillion." He shares the grave with his wife Mary, who is referred to as Luthien and he as Beren, two great loves.
Johnny Cash (1932-2003)
"I walk the line."
Summarising his life and music career in just a few words.
Mae West (1893-1980)
"Come up and see me some time."
A cheeky nod to her famous catchphrase.
Billy Wilder (1906-2002)
“I'm a writer but then nobody's perfect.”
Only a writer could pen those words.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
“Quoth the Raven, Nevermore.”
A fitting tribute to his most famous poem “The Raven” and its interpretation that nothing can be done to change the situation of he who lies there. Very clever indeed.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
“The body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer, Like the cover of an old book, Its contents are torn out, And stripped of its lettering and gilding, Lies here, food for worms. But the work shall not be lost, For it will, as he believed, appear once more, In a new and more elegant edition, Revised and corrected by the Author.”
Reflecting his view on death and life beyond.
Bette Davis (1908-1989)
“She did it the hard way.”
Having succeeded in Hollywood when the pressures against women were even greater than they are now. She was the first woman to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute
George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
“He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honour in being helpful to the world.”
Words to live by, and a wonderful legacy to leave.
Planning your legacy is as important as living it. These epitaphs remind us to consider what we want our final message to the world to be. By planning your estate now, you can ensure that your legacy reflects your values and what you stood for. If you need help with estate planning, don't hesitate to reach out. Your legacy is worth securing.
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