I wondered through the halls searching for the right number on the door. I finally found it – room 312. I walked in and saw Mrs. N lying in bed, eyes closed, peaceful and at ease.

I said hello and she slowly opened her eyes. We hadn’t met in person before but she recognized my voice. She smiled gently and cleared her throat.

Mrs. N had asked to meet. She knew her final days were approaching and she wanted to meet the person that would be managing her affairs after she was gone. She also wanted to make sure I knew a few things before she passed.

We chatted for several minutes about the weather, the hospital staff, and the food. She shared with me the journey of her move from Europe over four decades prior. She was proud that she created a life in a new country that she had never before visited. She shared her favourite memories and her love for watching the birds from her bedroom window in the mornings. She had no regrets.

Then, she told me she was ready to pass away. She lived a long life and knew it was her time. I asked if she had any wishes for her final arrangements. “Nothing fancy”, she said. “Just a few words in the paper to announce my passing.” She also requested a quick burial and no funeral – she didn’t want the fuss.

We had a nice visit but I could tell Mrs. N was getting tired. I told her I could leave to let her get some rest. She agreed. We said our goodbyes and before I left she said to me something that I will never forget. “Don’t forget to take care of yourself.” I told her I would, and then left the room. The next day I got a call from the hospital. Mrs. N had passed away in her sleep.

It was not until later did I realize how much Mrs. N’s advice had an effect on me. Her words were not that unusual, and I’ve heard it many times before. But coming from Mrs. N, in her final days, on her deathbed – it had immense meaning. It came from the purest of intentions and the deepest of wisdom that only shows up when approaching death. Her advice was part of her legacy that she left on this world and I will always be grateful to have spent that time with Mrs. N.

I followed her wishes – a very simple obituary, no funeral, and no fuss. And I’m taking care of myself.

This article is part of our series: Diaries of an Executor. The writer wishes to remain anonymous. If you have been an executor and would like to submit an article, please contact us to share your story. We’d love to hear from you.

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