The Gift And Burden Of Knowing Your Expiry Date
The Gift and Burden of Knowing Your Expiry Date
Would life be easier if we knew our expiry date?
It’s a question I’ve wrestled with more times than I can count. As humans, we crave certainty—the comfort of knowing what lies ahead and the ability to plan for it. At the same time, we’re drawn to life’s unpredictability—the thrill of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. These opposing needs shape our decisions, our relationships, and how we spend our time.
But what if we did know? Would knowing the exact day our time ends push us to live more fully? Or would it leave us feeling like every day was just a countdown to the inevitable?
A Painful Question I Can’t Escape
I often wonder if my daughter Maddie had her expiry date in mind.
She was only 14 when she left us, but I sometimes think she might have known, perhaps weeks or months before. There were moments I now replay in my mind, wondering if she felt like she was moving toward her finish line. Did she sense it? Did it shape her thoughts, her actions, her choices?
These are the questions that haunt me. As her father, I’ll never have the answers. The pain of not knowing is something I carry every day. But it’s also why I’ve dedicated my life to helping others prepare for what we can’t predict.
The Cost of Living Without Urgency
In my work, I meet people from all walks of life; business owners, parents, couples. Most of them are intelligent, successful, and well-meaning. Yet more than half seem to live as if they have all the time in the world.
They say things like:
“I’ll get to it someday.”
“My spouse has a general idea of where everything is.”
“It’s not urgent—I’m still young.”
But life doesn’t give us expiry dates. And without one, many of us put off the hard conversations, the uncomfortable planning, and the decisions that truly matter.
The result? Families are left to deal with chaos, confusion, and unnecessary pain during their darkest moments.
A Story That Stays With Me
I once worked with a family who had put off their estate planning for years. The father owned a successful business, but like so many, he thought there was plenty of time to figure it all out. Then, unexpectedly, he passed away.
When I met his wife and children, they were overwhelmed. There was no clear plan in place. Bank accounts were inaccessible. Important documents were scattered, and no one knew where to find them. The family was left not only grieving but also sorting through financial and legal chaos that could have been avoided.
The weight of that burden was palpable. And while I was able to help them navigate through it, I couldn’t undo the stress and confusion they’d endured.
Preparing Without an Expiry Date
Here’s the truth: None of us know when our time will come. But we don’t need certainty to take control of what we can.
Estate planning isn’t just about wills and paperwork. It’s about love, compassion, and making choices that protect the most important people.
It’s having conversations now, so your family isn’t left guessing later.
It’s organizing your financial and legal affairs so no one has to sift through chaos.
It articulates your wishes clearly so they’re honoured the way you intended.
The process isn’t easy. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, face our own mortality, and make decisions we’d rather avoid. But in the end, it’s worth it.
Peace of Mind for the People You Love
When I think about Maddie, I think about the lessons she unknowingly taught me. Life is unpredictable. It’s fragile. And while we can’t control when our time comes, we can control how we prepare for it.
I aim to help people avoid leaving their families in confusion and chaos. I want them to feel peace knowing that everything is in place—not just for themselves, but for their loved ones.
The gift of preparation isn’t just about removing a burden; it’s about leaving a legacy of love, care, and thoughtfulness.
Take the First Step Today
You don’t need to know your expiry date to make decisions that matter. You just need to take the first step:
Start the conversation with your family.
Review your plans and ensure they reflect your current wishes.
Get organized, so nothing important is left to chance.
Whether it’s creating or updating your will, securing your financial records, or putting a clear plan in place, these actions will spare your family unnecessary hardship.
Because one day, when you’re no longer here, they’ll thank you for having the courage to prepare.
You can’t change life’s unpredictability, but you can make the journey easier for those you love most. Start today.
