There are days when my calendar looks like a competitive sport.
I’m a mom of three teenagers, which means carpools, school emails, practices, SATs, homework review, late-night talks, and the constant hum of “What’s for dinner?” layered on top of a full-time job. For a stretch of those years, I was also finishing up a graduate program, squeezing in papers, exams, and deadlines wherever I could find a quiet hour. And through it all, I’ve tried very hard to be present, not just as a mother, but as a wife, a professional, and a person of faith.
Like a lot of parents, I spend most of my time planning for what’s next: the next school year, the next bill, the next family trip, the next big decision. What I didn’t spend enough time on, until recently, was planning *just in case*.
That kind of planning can feel heavy. Paperwork, legal language, big questions about the future, it’s easy to push it all to the bottom of the to-do list. I know I did. Not because it wasn’t important, but because it felt overwhelming, and there never seemed to be a “right” time.
What finally helped me take that first step was something surprisingly simple: a free resource.
No pressure. No obligation. Just information.
When we re-launched the Planned Giving page from Catholic Charities of New York, and instead of feeling intimidated, I felt… relieved. It wasn’t asking me to commit to anything or make immediate decisions. It was simply there to help me understand the basics, what a will is, why it matters, and how getting your paperwork in order is actually a gift to your family.
As a mom, that part really hit home.
We do so much every day to protect our kids: we plan, we guide, we show up. Creating a will and organizing important documents is just another extension of that care. It’s not about expecting the worst, it’s really about making things easier for the people you love, no matter what life brings.
What I appreciated most is that the resource truly lets you learn at your own pace. You can review it over a cup of coffee, during a quiet lunch break, or late at night when the house finally settles down. There’s no requirement to donate, no expectation that you’ll make a decision right away, or ever, if you choose not to. It’s simply a tool to become familiar with, so that when you *are* ready, you’re informed and confident.
As someone who has juggled a lot of roles, I’ve learned that clarity is a form of self-care. When important paperwork is in order, it frees up mental space. It brings a sense of calm you didn’t realize you were missing.
And if you’re like me, someone who wants her values to carry forward, planned giving is also a way to reflect on what matters most. Catholic Charities of New York does extraordinary work for families, children, and communities, and learning about planned giving gave me insight into how faith, service, and legacy can come together thoughtfully and compassionately.
You don’t have to decide anything today. You don’t even have to decide anything at all.
But taking a little time to review a free, trusted resource? That’s something even the busiest parent can do, and it’s one small step that can make a meaningful difference down the road.
From one busy mom to another: give yourself that gift of knowledge.
Please visit the Planned Giving page at Catholic Charities of New York and take a moment to learn more, on your terms, in your time, with no pressure. Sometimes, peace of mind starts with simply being informed.
Emily Chau
Senior Director, Development and Planned Giving
Catholic Charities of New York
