As over 80 million Baby Boomers head into the last stages of life, it is appropriate for them to consider the following questions: Have I fulfilled my purpose? What will I be remembered for? What kind of legacy have I passed along to my family and others?

Barry K. Baines is Medical Director at Ucare, Minnesota, and Associate Medical Director of Hospice of the Twin Cities. He is also the CEO of The Legacy Center, an organization dedicated to preserving stories, values, and meaning for individuals, communities, and organizations. He has written a very useful paperback book on ethical wills — a way to pass on one's personal values, beliefs, blessings, and advice to future generations.

There is an ancient tradition going back to biblical times where elders bequeathed to students, relatives, and friends the wisdom of a long-lived life. Now, life-changing events such as the death of a loved one, surgery, diagnosis with a serious disease, losing a job, getting a divorce, or celebrating the birth of a grandchild can be the catalyst to writing an ethical will.

Baines believes that clarifying and communicating the meaning of our lives is not only important to our loved ones — it is a gift we owe ourselves. In the process of reflecting upon the past, learning about ourselves, pondering what we're willing to stand up for, facing our mortality, and writing down personal and family stories; we deepen and enrich our lives.

Baines offers several exercises to prime the pump of your memory and then includes examples of ethical wills written by people of all ages. Some are mainly expressions of love and gratitude to family members. Others spell out things the writer believes in. Quite a number are filled with advice and counsel for members of future generations. This user-friendly volume is a must-have resource for families who are on a spiritual journey.