A guided keepsake journal by M.K. Kimmer

Say what's in your heart, while there's still time.

Most end-of-life books cover bank accounts and paperwork. Before I Die, Secrets of My Heart helps unlock matters no one talks about. It helps guide you to treasures you still have time to give. Don’t let the essence of who you are be buried with you.

Buy a book — $16.95 Buy books in bulk

Buying it for someone you love? Here's who it's for.

Cover of Before I Die, Secrets of My Heart by M.K. Kimmer

Other books handle your accounts.
This one handles your heart.

A chance to say what needs to be said. Answers that need to be given. Memento Mori is latin for “remember your mortality”. Let this book guide you to discover closure over your unique Life.

Five keys. One heart.

The book walks you through five sections, one gentle prompt at a time. Tap a key to see what's inside.

Prepare

Say the little things and the big ones before there is no time left to say them.

Did I Forget to Tell You?
Words That Need to Be Said
Thank You

The final practical checklist

The book closes with the practical side, so nothing is left for your family to guess.

Example will
Example living will
Example medical power of attorney
Account and password pages
Contact pages for who to notify
Obituary guide
Extra pages for sealed letters

The legal pages are examples, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state.

Why I wrote this book

In my 30s, I witnessed firsthand how fast death can over take a person. One cold Colorado night a kind man had a deadly heart attack after shoveling free a car stuck in the snow. His son did CPR to no avail as I watched helplessly. Neither of them had time to say goodbye.

My own father died just as sudden on a golf course. From those experiences one question haunted me: What if it were me? I still have so much more to tell!

How would the people I love know all that needed to be said and what was in my heart? This book helped answer some of my questions. Let it answer some of yours! This is your story.

— M.K. Kimmer

How to use it

Go at your own pace

One prompt a day or one a month. Skip any chapter that isn't right for you.

Seal private letters

Fold, seal, and address the extra pages to one person, to be opened later.

Finish the checklist

Use the examples as a guide, then make it official with an attorney.

Tell at least one person where it is

A book no one can find can't do its job. Keep it safe, and let at least one person know where it is.

Who it's for

Everyone. Let the treasure of “who you are” live on.

For yourself

Get your heart in order, whatever your age or health.

For a parent

A gentle way to ask for the stories and recipes you'd hate to lose.

After a diagnosis

Something meaningful to do with the time that's left.

For caregivers

Hospice staff, chaplains, and ministries can give it to families.

What makes it different

Feature	Secrets of My Heart	Estate organizers	Blank journals
Guided heart-level prompts	Yes	Rarely	No
Sealable private letters	Yes	No	No
Practical checklist	Yes	Yes	No
Free extra pages online	Yes	Varies	No

Need more room to write?

Print extra lined pages that match the book. Use them for longer letters, or fold and seal one for someone special.

Download free extra pages (PDF)

Six lined pages in the book's design, sized for standard 8.5 x 11 paper. Print as many as you need.

For hospices, churches, hospitals and senior care facilities.

Give families something meaningful. Bulk pricing is available for organizations.

Case pricing

Questions

Is this only for people who are dying?

No. It's written for anyone, since none of us know our time. It's especially meaningful for those who know time is short.

Is it religious?

It includes a few Bible verses and faith-based quotes, but the prompts work for anyone.

Are the will pages legally binding?

No. They're examples to help you prepare. Requirements vary by state, so please work with an attorney to make them official.

Is it a good gift?

Yes, and it's often given by adult children to a parent. We suggest giving it in person with a note about why.

Where can I buy it?

Right here or on Lulu.