Writing a Tribute for Your 80th Birthday

Writing a Tribute for Your 80th Birthday. Imagine that you are being thrown an 80th birthday party and they are going to toast you. What will they say in their tribute for you? You have no idea where to begin. Here is how you might begin. Jot down the most memorable and transformational moments that you would love to have in your life:

• What moments were your proudest?
• Most challenging?
• Most loving, kind or generous?
• When were you most present, engaged, and essential — in what situations and settings?
• What impact did your actions have on others, society, world?
• How might some of these situations or outcomes have been different without you?

Take a look at what you’ve written and try to find common themes. What sorts of characteristics or traits are evident in the memories that surfaced? Select the theme that best represents the person and build upon it. Organize items by degrees of importance. Summarize your “good words,” and restate your theme.

[1] Merriam-Webster definition of eulogy: a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased e.g., she delivered the eulogy at his funeral.