“Legally, Breck Arnzen and Lani Peterson-Arnzen had covered all the bases when they wrote their will – everything from guardianship to inheritance for their four children.

But two years ago they realized something was missing when a friend told them about the concept of an ethical will – a love letter, many would say – in which people pass down the experiences and values that have infused their lives with meaning.

Within a few months, the couple had created a 20-page ‘living legacy,’ as Ms. Peterson-Arnzen calls it. They plan to update it every five years or so, but its value to the family was immediate. Instead of tucking it away until after they’re gone, they shared it with their children, then 7 to 14 years old.” (Christian Science Monitor)