Now available
The Thoughtful Goodbye
Paperback · 2026 · Julie G. Norris
A calm, practical guide for people who want to make end-of-life planning less confusing, less frightening, and less overwhelming.
Planning ahead is not about expecting the worst. It is about giving yourself and the people you love the gift of preparation. This book helps you organize important information, think through personal wishes, and make decisions with care before they are urgently needed.
Coming soon to Amazon.
Why I wrote this book
I did not write this book because I had all the answers. I wrote it because I experienced firsthand how different end-of-life journeys can be when planning is present, and when it is not.
One loved one planned with care and gave the family the gift of clarity. Another left little guidance behind, which made an already painful time harder than it needed to be.
Those experiences stayed with me. The Thoughtful Goodbye was created to help families begin these conversations earlier, organize what matters, and reduce unnecessary burden for the people they love.
What you'll learn
How to organize important information
Gather key documents, contacts, accounts, and instructions in a way your family can actually use.
How to name your wishes
Think through funeral, memorial, medical, digital, and personal preferences with calm guidance.
How to start hard conversations
Approach planning talks with loved ones in a way that feels practical, gentle, and honest.
How to reduce stress later
Create clarity now so your people are not left guessing during an already emotional time.
Who this book is for
- You are beginning your own end-of-life planning.
- You are helping aging parents or loved ones get organized.
- You have experienced loss and know how hard unclear decisions can be.
- You want to make things easier for your family.
- You are overwhelmed and do not know where to begin.
- You want a guide that feels calm, practical, and human.
Inside the book
The book walks through planning in a steady, approachable way. It is not meant to replace legal, medical, or financial advice. It is meant to help you gather your thoughts, organize your information, and understand what conversations may need to happen next.
Use it at your own pace. Read it alone, talk through it with a loved one, or pair it with the companion workbook when you are ready to put your plans on paper.
Get your copy today
Available now in paperback from Lulu. Coming soon to Amazon.
Order from LuluFrequently asked questions
Is this only about funeral planning?
No. Funeral and memorial wishes are part of it, but the book also addresses documents, personal wishes, digital information, family communication, and practical preparation.
Is this book only for seniors?
No. Every adult can benefit from having basic plans and important information organized. Planning is not about age. It is about care.
Is it sad or difficult to read?
The topic is emotional, but the tone is calm and supportive. The goal is to make planning feel less intimidating, not heavier.
Does this replace legal advice?
No. This book is an educational planning guide. For wills, advance directives, estates, and legal documents, speak with a qualified professional in your state.
Is there a workbook?
Yes. A companion workbook is planned to help you move from reading and reflection into written planning.
Continue your journey
The Workbook
A companion resource for writing down wishes, contacts, decisions, and next steps.
Get the workbookThe Journal
A quiet space for grief, memory, reflection, and the words that do not always come easily.
Get the journalFree Articles
Gentle, practical guidance on planning, grief, and honoring the people we love.
Read the blogMemorial Writing Space
Gentle, AI-assisted writing to help with obituaries, eulogies, and celebration of life tributes.
Try the tools