It does not have to be a speech
Most people stall because they think it has to be wise or long. It does not. Write it the way you would say it to that person across a table. Short and honest is better than long and polished.
Five prompts that always work
- Thank you. What do you want to thank them for? Be specific. "Thank you for driving me to every appointment" says more than "thanks for everything."
- A memory. Tell one small story you want them to keep.
- What you hope for them. One or two plain wishes. Not advice, just hope.
- What you want them to stop worrying about. Many people want to say "it's okay, and you did enough."
- Goodbye, your way. A line, a joke or a simple "I love you."
Ideas for the day it arrives
- A birthday. "Happy birthday. I am sorry I missed it, but here is what I always wanted to tell you."
- A wedding or an anniversary. What you saw in them, and what you hope for the two of them.
- A holiday. A tradition you loved, and why it mattered to you.
- A hard day. The anniversary of your death, or a day they might feel alone. A few steady words can help.
Keep each message to one person and one idea
A message that tries to say everything often says nothing. If you have more to say, write another message for another day.
If you get stuck
Start with the first sentence, "I want you to know." Finish it a few different ways and keep the one that sounds like you. You can change it any time.
When you are ready, here is how to make sure it is delivered.
Ready to leave your messages?
It takes about fifteen minutes. You pay once, and nothing is ever sent while you are alive.