A Life Well Lived- and What We Can Leave Behind
Last week I had the privilege of attending the celebration of life for Emmanuel Nakis — father of my dear friend Sophia, a man of 89 years, Greek roots, and an absolutely extraordinary spirit. Walking into that room, I was immediately struck by one thing: the people. So many people.
Sophia, ever thoughtful, had playing cards made with her dad's photo on them. Within minutes of arriving, guests were at tables playing bridge — Manny's game, his love, the thread that ran through decades of friendships. His wife Betty, who passed two years ago, had shared that same world with him. You could feel them both in the room.
The night before the celebration, Sophia gathered family and close friends to watch videos she'd had the foresight to capture of her dad in recent years. The room was in tears — the good kind. Manny held court in every clip: stories from his years living in LA, smoking four packs of cigarettes a day, and drinking whiskey with the casual commitment of a man who clearly did not read the surgeon general's warnings. He was flat-out funny . The kind of funny that makes you wonder why you ever wasted time being serious.
Manny Nakis from Greece lived a life full of color — adventures, mishaps, and the rare gift of making everyone feel at home. That is the legacy . Not the things. The stories. The people who still smile when they say your name.
A will, healthcare directive, and durable power of attorney are the foundation. Without them, your family faces court decisions at the worst possible time. (Also, your family deserves better than a Google doc titled "stuff.")
Retirement accounts and life insurance pass outside a will. An outdated beneficiary form overrides everything else. Check yours once a year — yes, even if nothing has changed. Especially if something has.
Not a legal document — just a letter. Account locations, passwords, final wishes, and the stories you want told. Manny's family had videos. Most families have nothing. Change that.
A few trusted estate attorneys in our area are listed below- reach out if you’d like an introduction. The best gift you can give the people who love you is a plan.