This is
an ethical will written by a widowed grandmother in her early sixties.
To My Children and Grandchildren:
My Family
I had a special relationship with
my grandmother. She lived next door to us and taught modesty, moderation
and strength by personal example. From her I learned that one should "do
good for the sake of good, not for the sake of reward" and that "there
is no end of good that can be done by those who don't care who gets the
credit."
Learning and Knowledge
These two keep us mentally sharp,
keep us open to growth and change, enable us to contribute professionally
and personally, and can provide us with pleasant hours. I believe, as my
mother did, that hard work and intelligence can go far to overcoming many
problems.
It is a privilege to be able to share
your knowledge and your love of learning with others. I have been fortunate
to find many opportunities for teaching, both formal and informal.
Taking and Giving
In giving you make your life worthwhile.
But if you don't take, you will have nothing to give. Don't refuse to accept:
others need a chance to give also.
I hope you will make the world a better
place, both on a smaller scale and in the wider sense. Try to be a part
of the solution, not part of the problem. Keep before you for inspiration
a vision of the way things ought to be and help us move, albeit so slightly,
in that direction.
Appreciation and Love
My children, you are sources of joy
and pride. You make me feel loved and cared for. Your thoughtfulness is
touching and our interactions are a pleasure for me.
My love for my grandchildren is too
great to express in words. I hope I have expressed it in other ways. Your
existence gives me hope for the future and our mutual love gives me the
greatest happiness.
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