Sample Legacy Letters

Below are examples of Legacy Letters. Some are short, others long; some are contemporary and others date back to medieval times. They are written by a variety of people including grandparents, parents, an aunt, a 29-year-old woman with cancer, a mother to her unborn child, and a 100-year-old woman. I hope they spark ideas for your Legacy Letter.

Please feel free to send me your Legacy Letter via the contact page. I could possibly post it on this page. The letter can be anonymous, if that makes you feel more comfortable.

  • A tribute Legacy Letter from adult daughter to her parents
  • A five page letter from a mother to her teenage children
  • A one-paragraph Legacy Letter
  • A two-page Legacy Letter
  • A thirteen-page Legacy Letter from a grandfather to his children and grandchildren
  • An introduction from an eight-page Legacy Letter
  • A letter from a 100-year-old woman
  • A Legacy Letter from a dying 29 year old woman
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  • A Legacy Letter was written by a 38-year-old to her as yet unborn child
  • A Legacy Letter by an aunt for her nieces and nephews
  • A Legacy Letter from a mother written to her son
  • President Obama's Legacy Letter to his daughters
  • A medieval ethical will (1 of 2)
  • A medieval ethical will (2 of 2)
  • A letter from a 78-year-old mother to her son
  • A letter from a mother in her 70's writing to her adult son and daughter
  • A letter from an 84 year-old mother and grandmother with early Alzheimer’s
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    A Legacy Letter from a mother written to her son:

    October 1, 2007

    My dear Son:

    In this season of autumn it is time for me to harvest my blessings. As I look out my window and gaze on the tree of hope and the tree of gratitude, I am reminded of the tree planting ceremony on the one year anniversary of my liver transplant. Today is my fourteen year post transplant anniversary and I rejoice at the second chance at life.

    I am very grateful to have such a loving son. Your love and presence was so much a part of my healing journey. As we well know, life is very fragile and in an instant happiness and joy can change to sorrow. The sudden death of your Dad was a vivid reminder.

    My wish for you is to seize the moment - let your radiance shine. Take time for silence and renewal. Create ritual and celebrations in your life. Don't sweat the small stuff. I am certain with your education and work in the environment, you will leave soft footprints on our planet. I am reminded of the words from a James Taylor song, "Shower the people you love with love; let them know that you care."

    I love you. I love life. May we be blessed with many more amazing joyful years together!

    Blessings,
    Mom

    © 2007 Patricia Wilson

    Sources: Leah Dobkin, www.PersonalLegacyAdvisors.com, http://www.ethicalwill.com/examples.html, http://www.life-legacies.com.