afterwords

Note

Apologies for not being able to speak during the video walkthrough. I am having some difficulty at the moment. Please take a look at my slides by gowing through my media slides! Thank you!

Inspiration

One of my worst fears growing up was losing a loved one unexpectedly and not being able to know everything about them. My worst fear unfortunately came true twice to the two people I loved the most and who loved me the most. My grandfather suddenly passed one day while battling pancreatic cancer and my grandmother passed from a sudden hemorage.

Years later, I watched the movie P.S. I Love You. The movie's plot was about a late husband who wrote a stack of letters for his wife leading up to his expected passing. He then ordered the letters to be sent by the day to her after he passed. I remember watching this movie thinking I wished my grandparents did something like that for me. The only way I still connect with them is looking at a few photos and talking to my family. And while that has helped me, I wished there was something more tangible/direct from them.

The issue "afterwords" solves

When preparing for the end of life, I realized and also confirmed in research that there is so much preparation. The common checklist involves: a will, a living will, advance directtives, organ donation, resuscitation, decisions, funeral arrangements, burial arrangements, end of life housing, palliative care, life insurance, bank accounts, listing assets, power of attorney, beneficiary designations for non-probate assets, obiturary and death notice, finance organizing, miscellenous documents, saying goodbye, and cultural and spiritual practices.

It's overwhelming, but important. But a lot of the affairs are focused on estate and logistics. Only two of the listed affairs partake in more emotional departing work. There seems to be a detachment in honoring and creating legacy to individuals who are preparing for the end of life. That bothered me greatly.

What "afterwords" does

Afterwords is a guided digital space for emotional legacy creation—designed for people reflecting on life, making peace with the past, and leaving behind something meaningful. Unlike clinical end-of-life tools focused on estate and logistics, Afterwords helps users capture personal stories, organize memories, and craft heartfelt messages or digital mementos for loved ones. It’s not just about preparing for the end—it’s about honoring the journey.