In a climate of uncertainty, Thasha Aly ponders the surprisingly not-so-daunting prospect of writing a will. And the importance of leaving a legacy, no matter how small, for the ones you love.
I have a confession. Until recently, I hadn’t written a will. As a qualified lawyer, you think I’d know better, but life just somehow got in the way.
They say that the moment you experience a significant life event (or a “Yikes, I’m a grown up” moment), you should get things written down. So, if you move house, make a will. If you get married, sort your will. If you have a change in health circumstances, you’re embarking on a life-changing journey, or you’re about to have children, the will just makes sense.
Despite ticking most or all of these boxes, something was always holding me back from putting quill to parchment (how a proper will should be written surely? Inkpot at the ready!). It doesn’t make sense though. I’ve worked in the law, I’ve witnessed wills, I’ve even urged others to make sure they settle their own affairs – so, what about me?
I think there’s something so final about writing down how you want all your worldly possessions to be distributed once you shuffle off this mortal coil. It feels so horridly morbid to talk about the practicalities of death that we often just shy away from the inevitability of it all. Well, at least, I did. But with the difficult conversations of Covid-19 dominating nearly every household, and the discussions around mortality being more relevant than ever, it’s time I faced it too.
I’m very blessed to have a little boy who I want to provide for. I don’t earn a great deal, but what I do have, I would want to be at my family’s disposal. I want my son to have the option of going to university, or of living out to take on an apprenticeship if he wanted. To travel, to see things I never did. I know I’m incredibly lucky enough to have a husband who’d take care of him, but if what little I have can make life slightly more comfortable for the both of them, then why not?
A little legacy of love. That sounds good to me.
So…can I get a witness? (Or two).
Our guest contributor is Thasha Aly. Thasha was born and brought up in Kent, after her parents emigrated from India to teach here. She has worked in the law, the third sector and in special educational needs during her career. She and her husband live in London, and when she’s not running around after their toddler, she enjoys travel, learning, and eating (a lot).
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