If I die letter...

[trump-lady]

There have been alot of bike related tragic news recently and as I read a thread about the influence of this site in being more aware of such news I have to agree. Our community is wide so we are susceptible to a larger volume of negative news but also positive. Its a shame we as humans tend to remember the worst. Anyways one thing this site has done for me is decide to create a “if I die letter“.

To explain this is not a premonition rather a precaution. I recently did a week tour with my dad and wrote this letter before I left, as I understand this risk in doing what I love. It is not meant to be morbid, Im not even sure why I wrote except that I did it after reading some post on kiwi biker. I then sent it to my soul mate in the USA with instructions on what to do if this ever happened.

I am going to share it because as I read recent post I’m wondering do other people do this? What are your feelings...

The letter I wrote:

If you are reading this, I am no longer here and I have left rather suddenly while riding my motorbike.
This letter is a testament to the understanding of the risks I take each time I ride and the passion I have for riding which is why I decided to get on my bike today. As you know, I’m not a forward planner so its quite ironic that the one time I have planned for a possible event (if it happens) will result in my inability to plan anything ever again.

Anyways, the point of this letter is to let those of you who care to know, that although I would like to have lead a life till an old age, if I was to go, riding would not be my worse fear. I hope it was quick, that no one else was hurt and that those who were left to deal with the mess, appreciated.

Riding my bike is something that has drawn me in a way that many will not understand and I know many of my loved ones do not. So let me try to explain: The power of a bike is exhilarating for me while relaxing at the same time. The bike is the one thing that no matter what bullshit is going on in my life, disappears and all that matters is the wind in my face and the road in front of me. There is nothing more satisfying to me than that ride where everything is in sync and for a moment you are separated from the world. Opening up the throttle or carving up the pavement with the ocean breeze beside me, hearing nothing but the music of the bike lets me realise that I am alive and things like this matter, forget the newspaper headlines, the love that I lost, the boss who’s an ass or the assignment that’s due……let it all wait…..I am alive and I’d rather die now knowing this feeling then die 40 years later and never experience this.

I hope everyone finds that “thing” and I know how fortunate I was to have found mine.

In comparison to some I already have had a full life of adventure, travel, companionship, family and love.
So don’t be sad or angry, perhaps this was all planned from the start. I am in good hands now, I’ve missed Nanna and Grandad and we have much to catch up on and besides, I still have more riding to do which you can believe I will where ever I am.

Please know I have had a great life and do not regret anything. Perhaps I would have done things differently but then I wouldn’t be who I was, and I really liked being me. It may be a shock, kinda like me and my personality. Free. Random. Impulsive. Anomalous (yes dad a big word meaning out of the ordinary). Dynamic. I am always one for surprises but …….. I am sorry to have to give you this one.

Dad. No words need to be said and in saying that all words are said.
Mum. Stop crying, have a bourbon for me. I’m so glad we got to where we were, I love you.
Blister. My beautiful sister, I will miss being beside you but always will be beside you.
Sean. My first Love and now only Love. Thankyou.
Yazzy. Besty’s are for ever, listen for me.

There are so many people who have come into my life. Many have left impressions they are not aware of but hopefully those who knew me will know that they were appreciated, loved even from afar and although I suxed at keeping in contact will know “I never forgot you, thought of you often and was always going to make that call/send that email tomorrow”

I have one request….actually two
I would like as many bikes as possible to escort me to my final resting place.
I would like this posted on KIWIBIKER Under the heading Trump-lady says bye. I also would like the forum to debate the circumstances of my death freely and openly in the hopes of educating other riders. (no dam red rep for anyone’s opinions!) Ok 1 more….I want to be cremated and my dad to spread my ashes from his bike around the banks peninsular.

Ummm I dunno what to say………Bye?

I know, when you miss me or think of me….go do “your thing” or get out there and find “your thing” and when your doing it, feel me slide beside you and whisper ……“yeah… that’s cool” but not as cool as riding.

[TOTO]

I have tears in my eyes. We love you Tanya. :love:

[Romeo]

I've got a quick one tucked away in my riding gear just in case (no where near as deep as Trump-lady's though!). You'd only ever find it if you were really looking though.

I've also got a card in my inside jacket pocket with the names and phone numbers of my family and missus. Again, just in case.

It's a pretty good idea if you ask me :]

[Bikernereid]

I know it is slightly different but someone who I know that committed suicide took the time to write a number of letters to various people explaning why he had done what he did and including personal messages to each person.

I thought that is was so amazing that he had the insight to write such letters so that his death was just that little bit easier for others to understand and deal with.

Your letter was very moving and I think that it is an extremely good idea. I am someone that always tells the people I love that I love them whenever I finish talking to them just in case I do not see them again. I also believe you should never end a conversation on an argument because you may never have the opportunity to rectify the situation.

I am planning a trip around Europe over the summer and I think that writing letters to the people I care about before I leave would give me and them some peace of mind should something happen.

[trump-lady]

I have tears in my eyes. We love you Tanya. :love:


Good, Im not crazy. I wrote this bout a month ago and thought I was nuts.......... Toto u r a doll and the world would be a better place if more people had your vibrant, positive friendly attitude which I find is contagious in your presence :) thanks for your kind words (and green bling! lol)

[trump-lady]

For the person who voted its a stupid idea, your never going to have anyone understand or learn from your ideas if you are not prepared educate others on why you feel this way...... everyone has different ideas and some may not have thought of yours its a shame you can vote but not voice them.

[Kittyhawk]

I know it is slightly different but someone who I know that committed suicide took the time to write a number of letters to various people explaning why he had done what he did and including personal messages to each person.

I thought that is was so amazing that he had the insight to write such letters so that his death was just that little bit easier for others to understand and deal with.

Your letter was very moving and I think that it is an extremely good idea. I am someone that always tells the people I love that I love them whenever I finish talking to them just in case I do not see them again. I also believe you should never end a conversation on an argument because you may never have the opportunity to rectify the situation.

I am planning a trip around Europe over the summer and I think that writing letters to the people I care about before I leave would give me and them some peace of mind should something happen.

:oi-grr:you never told me you loved me :blank:

[Bikernereid]

I am so sorry, you should know that I LOOOOOOVE you.:love: And now so does everyone else on KB!!


:oi-grr:you never told me you loved me :blank:

[gunnyrob]

I have one and it is with my brother. He will be executor of my estate if I kark it & it gives a guide of my finances & assets as well as who holds my will.

THIS IS NOT A SUICIDE NOTE, merely a guide, and a brief farewell & a favourite photo. I do not intend dying any time soon, but you never know if you will get hit by a bus, plane, satellite, thermonuclear explosive device etc.

Get your wills sorted peeps, it will save a lot of dicking around.

[Bikernereid]

Will prep is well under way and as of next weekend it should be finished. I know that my better half thinks that talk of wills is serious and all that but

(a) I do not want the government getting thier sticky mitts on most of it &
(b) I want to provide for better my half, some young cousins and friends.

I think that making sure that loved ones do not get emobroiled in finanial shinanigans when dealing with a loss is really important and can save family splits (believe me I know).

I have sorted out contact details so that if anything happens to me my mum knows how to contact my bloke but now I think about it I want both of them to have a letter and friends' contact details.

Think the letters will take a lot of time and thought and isn't something that should be rushed.


I have one and it is with my brother. He will be executor of my estate if I kark it & it gives a guide of my finances & assets as well as who holds my will.

THIS IS NOT A SUICIDE NOTE, merely a guide, and a brief farewell & a favourite photo. I do not intend dying any time soon, but you never know if you will get hit by a bus, plane, satellite, thermonuclear explosive device etc.

Get your wills sorted peeps, it will save a lot of dicking around.

[Grahameeboy]

Will prep is well under way and as of next weekend it should be finished. I know that my better half thinks that talk of wills is serious and all that but

(a) I do not want the government getting thier sticky mitts on most of it &
(b) I want to provide for better my half, some young cousins and friends.

I think that making sure that loved ones do not get emobroiled in finanial shinanigans when dealing with a loss is really important and can save family splits (believe me I know).

I have sorted out contact details so that if anything happens to me my mum knows how to contact my bloke but now I think about it I want both of them to have a letter and friends' contact details.

Think the letters will take a lot of time and thought and isn't something that should be rushed.

That's cool, sad and a bit wierd all wrapped up...

I don't think that far ahead...

[Pumba]

For the person who voted its a stupid idea, your never going to have anyone understand or learn from your ideas if you are not prepared educate others on why you feel this way...... everyone has different ideas and some may not have thought of yours its a shame you can vote but not voice them.

Personaly I feel that statement is a little closed minded. You put the option up there to be voted on and clearly people are using the options presented to them. I too voted on this option.

Any thing we do has risks asociated with it. I acknowlege the risks, and move on, I try not to focus on the mobid side of what I am doing at any one time (shit you could die in your kitchen choking on your weet bix).

But hey thats me.

[nodrog]

I don't think that far ahead...

same, everybody i care about knows how i feel and what to do, id rather show my feelings for loved ones while i am alive.

[sidecar bob]

same, everybody i care about knows how i feel and what to do, id rather show my feelings for loved ones while i am alive.

Damn right pal, Id bling you for that, But i blinged you for the angry dragon so i cant.

[Bikernereid]

Have you read your own tag line?



That's cool, sad and a bit wierd all wrapped up...

I don't think that far ahead...

[marioc]

I guess its a state of mind thing,I have a pretty positive outlook on life and dont see the need to anticipate what might happen to me in the future.
Its a good idea for those that do however.

[trump-lady]

Personaly I feel that statement is a little closed minded. You put the option up there to be voted on and clearly people are using the options presented to them. I too voted on this option.

Any thing we do has risks asociated with it. I acknowlege the risks, and move on, I try not to focus on the mobid side of what I am doing at any one time (shit you could die in your kitchen choking on your weet bix).

But hey thats me.

Id like to think of it like any other little thing we do in our lives to take precaution. Like we get car insurance in case something happens, doent mean it will, its not being morbid it just is a precaution. My friends/family all know I ride and some cant understand why. Im really tired of hearing all the horror storys about "bikes are dangerous" and many times when an accident occurs poeple are like "see". I just wanted to give my reasoning for riding and try to express that riding wouldnt have killed me if anything it gave me life. Help to give anyone peice that needed it.

I do appreciate you explainning why you voted and sharing and I can see your point...thanks. I am grateful that we have this site to discuss/enlighten and share our thoughts however varied they are. Thats what makes humans so wonderful :)

Im very interested in the poll results.................

[Hitcher]

I have an "If I die" letter. It's called a Will.

I also have a letter for a more worrying event, "If I don't die". That's called an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Everybody should have one of each. And remember that dying is the least of your worries.

*Cues opportunistic legal members trolling for business*

[Grahameeboy]

Have you read your own tag line?

It's for others, not for me...

[Edbear]

Good, Im not crazy. I wrote this bout a month ago and thought I was nuts.......... Toto u r a doll and the world would be a better place if more people had your vibrant, positive friendly attitude which I find is contagious in your presence :) thanks for your kind words (and green bling! lol)


I have it on good authority...well my Doc said so the other day... "If you think you're crazy you're not 'cause you are aware of it".:banana:


That's cool, sad and a bit wierd all wrapped up...

I don't think that far ahead...

Especially on your situation, my friend, you need to...



Damn right pal, Id bling you for that, But i blinged you for the angry dragon so i cant.

Done it for ya!:2thumbsup


I have an "If I die" letter. It's called a Will.

I also have a letter for a more worrying event, "If I don't die". That's called an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Everybody should have one of each. And remember that dying is the least of your worries.

*Cues opportunistic legal members trolling for business*


Bling for dat! Well said!:yes:

[Pwalo]

I can imagine writing a letter if I knew I was going to die, but not on the off chance I might. I think that it's a wee bit morbid.

I'd also like to think that the people who matter to me would be aware of my feelings for them, and my enjoyment of riding.

Actually this did remind me that I need to get on to my will. Thankfully my boys are both adults.

[oldrider]

I have an "If I die" letter. It's called a Will.

I also have a letter for a more worrying event, "If I don't die". That's called an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Everybody should have one of each. And remember that dying is the least of your worries.

*Cues opportunistic legal members trolling for business*

Me too, all done and that is all the dying I want to think about thank you!

What you think about usually happens, so I try to think about staying alive and enjoying the life that I have.

If you want to say something nice to someone, say it now!

If you want people to remember you nicely when you are gone, walk the talk while you are here, that is what they will remember you by. :shifty: Cheers John.

[Swoop]

Not allowed to die until "the list" has been attended to...:whistle:

[Ixion]

You mean Mrs Swoops "little list" ? In that case you will be immortal. Those "little lists" are never completed, becuase for every task completed at least one new one is added.

[sunhuntin]

ive been seriously thinking on this of late, but its more the fact that ive got a partner to consider seriously in the event of anything happens. ive been meaning to make a start for a few weeks... ive given her a rough idea of what i want to happen with my stuff [the bike, especially, which she can either keep or give to southwards] but ive got nothing protecting her for the furture.

[Skyryder]

For myself to actually sit down and write such a letter I find disturbing. This is a bit different from a will where you are establishing the execution of your estate.

Nope it's to much like a suicide note for me.


Skyyrder

[trump-lady]

Thanks to all that have replied. The poll looks like we are kinda split on this but by the sounds of the replies it is due to peoples interpretations on the meaning behind writting such a letter. I have enjoyed reading all your post and thankyou for your honesty :)

[FROSTY]

maybee Im picking this up wrong--but aint this what a will is for?

[trump-lady]

maybee Im picking this up wrong--but aint this what a will is for?

No I didnt write my letter as a will.
That is something else. This was written after I read a thread about someone who was seriously injured and had children. I thought how horrible that was and wondered if the children would hate bikes because of it, or ever understand why their dad rode etc etc. I then realised that many of my loved ones would hate bikes and not understand the passion and my joy of bikes. I want to leave something for those who love me to be sure of, my own words telling then to not be sad and to know Im ok and to not blame bikes. You can, and I do tell people around me I love them and have had an amazing life and I am far from morbid or negitive.... I cant explain it was just something I wanted to do.

I also as I said wanted this posted on here for people to discuss as Im tired of having to be PC when people have the oppertunity to learn.

[FROSTY]

Fair call --I guess I'm lucky in that all those close around me share my passion to one extent or another. .

[vifferman]

I didn't vote, but I was impressed with your letter.
I've no intention of either writing one myself or giving instructions for what is to happen at my funeral when I cark it, as firstly I'll be dead, so I won't care, and secondly, I'll be dead, so no-one else will care and it will be irrelevant what happens.

[Kittyhawk]

Most who know me would know that I couldnt be arsed writing it in word format, and that itd be revealed in music...

[trump-lady]

I didn't vote, but I was impressed with your letter.
I've no intention of either writing one myself or giving instructions for what is to happen at my funeral when I cark it, as firstly I'll be dead, so I won't care, and secondly, I'll be dead, so no-one else will care and it will be irrelevant what happens.


I can tell you I honestly would care and I am grateful for you and your post :)

[Ixion]

I understand where you are coming from. But I would not have such a letter , because I think it makes an invidious distinction between riding and other activities.

I do not have a "if I die while driving" letter. Or "if I die while humping" . Or "if I die while fixing the roof". Or "If I die doing whatever else". So why a "if I die while riding". It seems to me that this tacitly accepts the premise often thrown at riders, that motorcycling is some horribly dangerous activity, on a par with skydiving into the craters of active volcanoes wearing a dynamite belt. I don't accept that premise.

I have a audio recording , updated every so often , to be played at my funeral (one day I may get all modern and make it a video recording). It says the things that I want to say, but is not specific to the mode of my death (which I do NOT intend to be while riding)

[slick-kev]

yea id hope no one would have 2 find it id prefer 2 hang around a lot longer not always the case tho as i knew loosebruce wen he was younger and at college with my olda bro was a gr8 guy to all

[trump-lady]

me too slick....without a doubt! I wanna annoy people as long as possible and make my supervisor earn her money lol.

[slick-kev]

yea thats the and get alot more hours in rideing

[MVnut]

Well the first two words that came to mind were 'F**k Off', but after reading a few replies maybe a 'NO' is more suitable. Won't bother casting a vote tho:cool:(the initial response was to the thread, not the author or any other person)

[slick-kev]

to many (pc) people will think we are all mad but some of us gota live life 2 the max

[nevets]

I voted option b, not such a silly idea me thinks.

Sombre stuff aside, I recall the inscription from Spike Milligan's gravestone.

It reads: "I told you I was ill"

:rofl:

[Toaster]

If I ever did a "died while riding" letter (and I wouldn't), I guess it would merely say:

"I hope I wasn't a dumb-arse... oh and NO you can't have the golf clubs".

[Gaz]

No I didnt write my letter as a will.
That is something else. This was written after I read a thread about someone who was seriously injured and had children. I thought how horrible that was and wondered if the children would hate bikes because of it, or ever understand why their dad rode etc etc. I then realised that many of my loved ones would hate bikes and not understand the passion and my joy of bikes. I want to leave something for those who love me to be sure of, my own words telling then to not be sad and to know Im ok and to not blame bikes. You can, and I do tell people around me I love them and have had an amazing life and I am far from morbid or negitive.... I cant explain it was just something I wanted to do.

I also as I said wanted this posted on here for people to discuss as Im tired of having to be PC when people have the oppertunity to learn.

Good work, Great thinking. Your letter would answer all the 'why' questions that could be asked.
Great thread. People need to think about all the 'stuff' life heaves your way. - I have 2-3 documents/letters addressed to different people. it's called a survivor management plan. This contains a how/what to do list of stuff that would need sorting out when I'm dead or unable to do it myself. This is for the people that have to sort out the mess I leave behind.

[Choco]

Thank you for sharing this with us, I think I might sit down and write one myself as, lets face it, we never know what might be around the next corner.

[trump-lady]

Very Very interesting vote results...thanks to all that voted.
Im glad Im not mad (by myself..theres at least 12 other crazys) and I hope to never ever see the letters the 35 of you are thinking of writting.
For the others thanks for sharing.........

[Daffyd]

Good idea, I think I might write one, but title it, "If I should die unexpectedly."

That removes the inference that m/cycling is the expected reason for my demise.

Its purpose would be more to try and comfort those left behind, and to explain my emotions, than to express my material wishes like a will.

[Mekk]

I don't have an "If I die" letter as such, more of an "if I am seriously injured" letter.

It basically says switch off the life support.

[trump-lady]

Good idea, I think I might write one, but title it, "If I should die unexpectedly."

That removes the inference that m/cycling is the expected reason for my demise.

Its purpose would be more to try and comfort those left behind, and to explain my emotions, than to express my material wishes like a will.

Agreed, and I would hate anyone to hate my motorbike and want them to remember all the times it saved me from doing something silly. Like those "i hate my life" moments that disapear when you ride. Plus all the fun I had on it.

I just came back to this thread after ages and looked at the poll results again. I wonder if after the recent accidents people who said they dont and wouldnt have changed their minds.

Let everyone

[TOTO]

It certanly would help relatives and friends cope better I recon.

[Nasty]

I have an "If I die" letter. It's called a Will.

I also have a letter for a more worrying event, "If I don't die". That's called an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Everybody should have one of each. And remember that dying is the least of your worries.

*Cues opportunistic legal members trolling for business*

When I saw the title of this post and what it contained .. I thought but that is what my will is ... it gives instructions should I die.

I had an enduring POA .. and I guess I need a new one now that guy passed on.

I am glad that Grub and I talked about things.

[portokiwi]

after my latest accident. I might just do one. Its given me a bit of a jolt.

[Max Headroom]

Although my wife & I already have an up-to-date will, I have written an "If/When I Die" letter, sealed in an envelope at home in a hidden location known only to her. It contains a message for her, along with specific instructions and confidential details of a practical nature.

I own a business and employ staff who quite reasonably expect to be paid, along with customers and suppliers who also hold certain expectations. My sudden departure shouldn't need to impact on them financially. Although my wife & I own the business jointly, she isn't involved at all on a practical level, so I've left her a list of bank account numbers and various passwords along with a list of names for her to contact to kickstart the insurance policies held by the business. By leaving her the list, it will save her a lot of unnecessary anxiety at what will presumably be a stressful time. It will also help ensure continuity, and give my wife the option of continuing to own the business while perhaps employing a manager, or putting it up for sale.

I have no immediate plans to die, least of all on a motorcycle. And the concept of someone saying afterwards "at least he died doing what he loved" is an utter crock, and makes a mockery of such a situation in my opinion. My letter does not make assumptions regarding the cause of my possible premature or unexpected demise. It's purely a "just in case" provision.

One thing I do accept about this existence: nobody gets out alive.....

YMMV etc

[Mr Merde]

I plan on going at the tender age of 93.


Even the circumstances have been planned.

I fully expect to be shot by a jealous husband on, what is refered to in the UK, the "vinegar stroke".

I havent written a farewell letter though I have let my partner know what I would like in the event of an untimely exit.

I have a will with all of my meagre requests and bequeaths. I have witten letters to my 4 children. Just so that they have something personal from me telling them how much I love them all and how proud I am of them all.


Other than that 93 is a good age. 1 year older than my grandad.


Merde

[Number One]

I think I will write one and I know it is time to get the will situation sorted. Threads like this are just the poke in the ribbs I needed!

[Naki Rat]

Not allowed to die until "the list" has been attended to...:whistle:

http://www.wolfescape.com/Humour/NonMedThumbs/GodPutMeOnEarth.gif

Sorry to break the mood but it seemed appropriate, though seriously my vote has gone with the majority.