Facing terminal cancer: where to begin with your life story

Choose the person before the format

Think about someone you would like to speak to. What do you want them to hear from you? It could be an expression of love, a funny memory, a thank-you, or a detail about your life they never knew. You do not need to begin with illness or make every message a goodbye.

If choosing a person feels too difficult, choose an ordinary moment instead: a favourite walk, a family meal, or the day you met a friend. Your life includes all of those things.

Make the task small enough for today

A few sentences can carry something important. You can type or speak an answer in MyEverLife, then review the saved text. If someone helps, ask them to keep your meaning and let you decide what remains. You can stop mid-story and return to it, or leave it as it is.

Use a simple three-part starting point

There is no correct tone. Your words can be tender, practical, humorous, or unfinished.

• A memory: “I often think about the day we…”
• What it means: “What I loved about that was…”
• What you want them to know: “The thing I hope you carry with you is…”

Decide whether to share it now

Some words may matter most while you can talk about them together. If you prepare a future EverMessage, check the recipient and delivery settings. Future delivery depends on the continued operation of the service and is not guaranteed. Keep another copy of anything especially important, and consider giving it directly to the person.

You also have the right not to do this. Your relationships do not depend on finishing a collection of stories. Let the project serve your wishes, including the wish to spend time together without making a record.