Make your wishes known

When it comes to making your wishes known have you planned in advance? Shared with your love ones what you want to happen? Or like me, put it off thinking that some day you'll set aside the time.

This post is sponsored by Chapel of the Chimes. All opinions are my own.

How do you know what's right?

My Grandma passed away when she was 98 years old. After stumbling and falling, she was hospitalized. Days later she passed away peacefully. I helped my mom and her siblings with preparations, which was actually really easy because she had it all planned out.

Grandma wrote down all of her instructions. She had pre-purchased a package from her local funeral home. She knew what suit she wanted to wear, what songs were to be sung at her funeral and had even picked her pall bearers. All this was written down, she clearly made her wishes known.

It was a great example of advanced planning. Always thinking of others, this offered us peace of mind, knowing we were following her wishes.

Things are different for Dan and I now. Caring for his Mom who is stricken with dementia has been incredibly difficult. What a debilitating disease.

As her mind slips away, simple decisions have become more difficult - let alone her final wishes. How do we know what's right for her and what she would like?

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

Helen Keller

Put your wishes in writing

During the most difficult times, it's important to work with someone you can trust and for my friends and readers in Northern California, I'd like to introduce you to Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward.

Chapel of the Chimes has served the East Bay community for over 145 years. It provides Mortuary, Crematory and Cemetery services offering you peace of mind this difficult time.

With stunning views of rolling hills and the east bay, it's in a tranquil, beautiful setting offering comfort when families need it most.

How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?

Winnie the Pooh

Plan ahead

Planning ahead provides peace of mind. It lifts the burden off your shoulders during the challenging times.

Looking back, I wish it was something we had discussed with detail with my Mom-in-Law so we would have a better idea of her requests would be.

I know that it increases stress for Dan, especially since his sister passed away a few years ago. It's just him to do all the things and make all the decisions. Planning ahead helps save time and money, especially when it's the last thing you want to think about.

This is something we should not just think about but plan for: Request a free planning guide by clicking here.

 Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Mother Teresa

Eliminate stress

Did you know that by planning ahead, not only do you eliminate stress for your loved ones you can freeze pricing? That way you're not adding a financial burden to family.

Make your wishes known by having this all done in advance. What a relief that would be!

Honoring every life in a unique and special way is something Chapel of the Chimes takes abundant pride in. They are culturally diverse and have many ethnic and cultural events open to everyone.

It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

Dalai Lama

I hope you've enjoyed this introduction to Chapel of the Chimes and will consider it's services when necessary. I've really enjoyed learning about their process and services. I've learned it's best to be informed and plan ahead.

Please visit

For more reflections please visit Starting Over After Loss - my story of divorce and moving forward and Honoring Memorial Day - a true story about my Great Grandpa. Listed as killed in action during World World 1 when he was 22, he went on to live to be 73 years old!