Leaving a legacy of beliefs, values and hopes
Jo Kline Cebuhar defines an ethical will as what you believe in, what you know and what you hope for. This becomes “The legacy of your beliefs and values, life lessons and hopes for the future.” Her book “Thus the Tree Grows: Creating an Ethical Will” describes for the reader a number of possible plans for creating a personal ethical will.
Kline also helps the reader understand why creating your own ethical will is important, how to bring your story to life, and a time frame for creating an ethical will.
His suggestions include ideas for using quotes, miniature essays, and embellished journals. He talks about three-dimensional ethical testaments using photo albums, scrapbooks, and genealogies. He incorporates the use of the computer, with digi-scrapbooks, power point presentations, video, audio, and music in his preparation.
The provision of “notes to myself” spaced throughout the book was personally helpful in beginning to organize my own Will Ethics by taking inventory of photos, memos, documents, and writings that define my own life lessons, values, and beliefs. . I really enjoyed the quotes from well-known biographers, national leaders, and other well-known personalities. These concepts add credibility to the Cebuhar script.
“So the Tree Grows – Creation and Ethical Will” is an important work. Every life coach, financial planner, and legal advisor should recommend the book or provide a copy for each of their clients as a supplement to their other services.
Murphy Publishing, 978-0966185133,
As reviewed for Midwest Book Review.