Example
A memory
We lived on a dirt road past the water tower, in a little town in south Georgia. On Sundays my mother fried chicken and we ate on the porch.
Leave your words for the people you love.
Write a letter. Add photos, your voice or a video. Leave it for a future date, or for after you’re gone.
Write your first letter
A few sentences is a good beginning.
One memory is enough to begin.
These are examples.
Example
A lesson
If the work gets too big, do the next small piece. Then call someone who has done it before and ask one question.
Example
A moment
The morning we got the keys, the rooms were empty and the light came in sideways. I stood in the doorway and laughed.
What you do
Write a few lines.
Start with a memory, a thank-you or something you want to say.
Choose who it’s for.
You decide who receives your message.
Choose how it’s sent.
Pick a date, or have your messages sent if you stop answering our check-ins and reminders.
Questions
How does it know if something has happened to me?
Pick a date, or have your messages sent if you stop answering our check-ins and reminders. We email you a one-click “I’m okay” link. If you stop answering, we remind you. If you choose sending when you stop answering, while you answer the check-ins, we won’t send those messages. Trusted contacts, if you add any, are an extra confirmation.
What if it’s a false alarm?
For messages set to send when you stop checking in, one missed email does not send them. We send reminders first. Answering a check-in before the messages are sent stops that release.
Who can read my messages?
You choose who each message is for. We use their contact details to deliver it. Each person opens theirs with a private link. See how your delivery choices affect privacy.
What does each person need?
They need an email address, not an account. Adding them does not contact them. When it’s time, they receive a private link. If you choose a question, they’ll need to answer it to open the message.
I don’t know what to say. Can you help?
Yes. One question at a time. Skip any. We never write it for you.
What if someone changes their email address?
Add more than one email, and a backup person. If it isn’t opened in a week, we try the next. A backup gets a note to pass it along, not the message. They can update their own email from the message.
How do check-ins work?
You choose how often, from every week to once a year. We email a one-click link, or you can sign in. If you go quiet, the warnings come by email.
Who are trusted contacts, and what can they see?
Trusted contacts are optional. If you choose to require their confirmation, we wait for it before sending messages after missed check-ins. Without that requirement, missed check-ins and reminders can lead to sending. They can’t see your messages.
Can I leave practical information too?
Yes. Who to call, where papers are, and how to handle accounts. You choose who gets them. Don’t include passwords.
Why not just leave my password?
A shared login opens everything at once, and often early. A letter meant for an 18th birthday, or for a wedding, loses its moment. Someone has to know when to look, and where the password is. With AngelSwitch, each person gets only their own messages, at the time you chose, and nothing is sent while you keep checking in.
Is this a will?
No. AngelSwitch is letters, videos, and where things are. It is not a will. Keep a will with a lawyer.
How long are delivered messages kept?
5 years after they last open it. At 4 years we remind them to save a copy. Opening it starts the 5 years again.
Will you email me a lot?
We send check-ins and important account notices. If you choose setup tips, we send up to four. You can stop the tips anytime.
If I use the help chat, what email do I get?
We reply in the chat. If you step away, we email you one recap of the conversation after it has been quiet for about 20 minutes.
Start with one thing you want someone to know.
Write your first letterA few sentences is a good beginning.