How to Write Your Own Last Goodbye Letter

Your own last goodbye letter is a personal message written for your loved one to recapture memories, offer advice for the future, and bid them farewell in the event you die. While some people craft this message when they fall ill, others prefer to do so when they are healthy and young.

Thinking of your own death and trying to get your affairs in order can be daunting and, oftentimes, scary. Even harder is creating a last message for your loved ones for when you are gone, even when you know they will appreciate this last goodbye.

If you feel ready to take this step, the following guide should equip you with all you need to know on How to Write Your Own Last Goodbye Letter.

The seven sections of a last goodbye letter refer to a series of open-ended questions you can answer to develop your letter’s body. While each section is relevant, you don’t have to include all of them in your message if they don’t apply to your situation. They are:

• Acknowledgment – This is where you acknowledge the people in your life, such as your friends, children, and partner.
• Memories – Tailor your message to each of these people by mentioning the memories you shared with them.
• Asking for Forgiveness – If you have wronged them, express remorse and ask for forgiveness.
• Forgiving Others – Let go of any negative feelings you may be harboring and forgive a loved one who wronged you.
• Gratitude – Express gratitude for all the good times you had with the reader.
• Expressing Love – Tell them you love them and explain why.
• Saying Goodbye – Finally, say goodbye and wish the reader happiness.

Getting started on your Own Last Goodbye Letter can be difficult, especially if you are young or healthy and don’t see the immediate need. Nonetheless, it won’t hurt to express your feelings to a loved one as long as you can still put pen to paper. Consider the following pointers for a good goodbye message:

• Always write in a calm, good-natured, and friendly tone
• Tailor your letter to the reader by referencing specific memories, inside jokes, or nicknames
• Appreciate the good times you spent with the reader
• If you have negative feelings about something, mention and resolve them respectfully.
• Express and acknowledge your sense of loss but encourage the reader to find peace in your memories
• Wish the reader happiness in the future

Last Letter (Word Template)

Nobody likes to think of the day they will leave this world but learning How to Write Your Own Last Goodbye Letter shouldn’t be emotionally scary. Try to think of it as gifting your loved ones with something they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Regardless of what you say, you will be proud of the results as long as you write from the heart.