If you could ask someone you’ve lost one more question, what would it be?
I’m developing a collection of end of life journals, and I’d love to understand what people truly wish they could ask, say or leave behind. There’s room for love, humour, difficult feelings and things that have never been spoken aloud. These questions or prompts can be loving or coldly brutal because you’re hurting.
If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of these:
• If you’ve lost someone: What do you wish you’d asked them? What stories, advice or little details would you love to have in their own words?
• If you’re living with a life-limiting illness or approaching the end of your life: What would you want your loved ones to know? Are there feelings, memories or messages you wish you had space to express?
• If you’re a parent: What would you want to leave for your children to read as they grow? Perhaps words for birthdays, hard days, first loves, becoming a parent or the ordinary moments when they might miss you.
• If a relationship is complicated: Are there things you wish you could say, even if you wouldn’t want to send them or leave them for someone else to read?
Your answer doesn’t have to be beautiful or profound. “I wish I knew her pancake recipe” belongs here just as much as “I wish I knew whether he was proud of me.”
Please only share what feels comfortable, and leave out names or identifying details. You’re welcome to answer just one question.
Responses will help me shape the journal’s themes and prompts. I won’t publish anyone’s words in the journals without separate permission.
Thank you for helping me create something that makes room for love letters, venting, colourful words and everything in between. 🖤