Message kit and method for assisting an author in conveying a personal message

Abstract

An embodiment of a message kit comprises a first correspondence medium for receiving a personal message, an envelope configured to enclose the first correspondence medium, a second correspondence medium for receiving information associated with an intended recipient of the personal message, and a first directive for notifying a fiduciary of the intent of the author of the personal message to have a holding party in possession of the completed first correspondence medium and send the combination of the completed first correspondence medium and the envelope in accordance with a preferred receipt date communicated via the second correspondence medium. The holding party retains the completed first correspondence medium and the envelope until after the occurrence of an author identified triggering event.

1 . A message kit, comprising: 
 a first correspondence medium for receiving a personal message;    an envelope configured to enclose the first correspondence medium;    a second correspondence medium for receiving information associated with an intended recipient of the personal message; and    a first directive medium for notifying a party other than an author of the personal message of the intent of the author to have a holding party in possession of the first correspondence medium as completed and the envelope send the combination of the completed first correspondence medium and the envelope in accordance with a preferred receipt date communicated via the second correspondence medium, wherein the holding party retains the completed first correspondence medium and the envelope until after the occurrence of an author identified triggering event.    
   
   
       2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first correspondence medium comprises stationary.  
   
   
       3 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first correspondence medium comprises a greeting card.  
   
   
       4 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first correspondence medium comprises a post card.  
   
   
       5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the second correspondence medium, when completed, contains subject matter of an offer for a contract between the author and the holding party.  
   
   
       6 . The kit of  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 a confirmation medium, wherein when the confirmation medium is acknowledged and returned to the author by the holding party, the confirmation medium conveys acceptance of the offer for the contract.    
   
   
       7 . The kit of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 an envelope for self-addressing by the author and enclosing the confirmation medium.    
   
   
       8 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a second directive medium for notifying the holding party of the occurrence of the triggering event.    
   
   
       9 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the triggering event comprises the desire of the author to convey the personal message.  
   
   
       10 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the triggering event comprises the incapacity of the author.  
   
   
       11 . A method for assisting an author in conveying a personal message, comprising: 
 providing a message kit comprising a first correspondence medium for receiving the personal message, a second correspondence medium for receiving information associated with an intended recipient of the personal message, a first directive for notifying a fiduciary of the author's intention to have a combination of a completed first correspondence medium and an envelope sent to the intended recipient in accordance with a preferred receipt date after the occurrence of a triggering event;    receiving completed first and second correspondence media;    storing the completed first and second correspondence media;    receiving notification from the fiduciary of the occurrence of the triggering event; and    sending the combination of the completed first correspondence medium an envelope to the intended recipient.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein sending comprises forwarding the combination of the envelope and the first correspondence medium in accordance with a preferred receipt date.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 verifying the accuracy of the information associated with the intended recipient of the personal message responsive to receiving notification from the fiduciary of the occurrence of the triggering event.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 collecting information associated with life events of the intended recipient of the personal message; and    determining a calendar date to execute sending a combination of the envelope and the first correspondence medium when so instructed by the completed second correspondence medium.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing a message kit comprises forwarding a set of related correspondence media.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the set of related correspondence media is associated with religious holidays.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the set of related correspondence media is associated with author expected life events of the intended recipient.  
   
   
       18 . A message kit, comprising: 
 means for recording a personal message;    means for forwarding the personal message and handling instructions to a holding party;    means for instructing a fiduciary of an author's intent for the holding party to send the personal message upon the occurrence of a specified date following the occurrence of a triggering event; and    means for receiving notification from the fiduciary of the occurrence of the triggering event.    
   
   
       19 . The message kit of  claim 18 , wherein means for recording a personal message comprises means for providing a medium suited for receiving a handwritten message.  
   
   
       20 . The message kit of  claim 18 , wherein the author of the personal message identifies personal incapacity as the triggering event.  
   
   
       21 . A method for conveying a personal message, comprising: 
 recording a personal message;    forwarding the personal message and instruction to a holding party;    receiving confirmation of holding party's intent to forward the personal message on behalf of an author of the personal message in accordance with an author designated recipient receipt date following notification by a fiduciary of the occurrence of a triggering event; and    instructing the fiduciary to notify the holding party after the occurrence of the triggering event.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein recording a personal message comprises handwriting.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the author identifies personal incapacity as the triggering event.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the author identifies the death of the author as the triggering event.  
   
   
       25 . A method for assisting an author in conveying a personal message, comprising: 
 providing a message kit;    receiving completed items including a personal message and delivery instructions provided in the kit;    storing the completed items until notification of the occurrence of a triggering event; and    sending the personal message in accordance with a preferred receipt date after the occurrence of the triggering event, as directed by the delivery instructions.    
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein providing a message kit comprises providing a first correspondence medium for receiving the personal message.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein providing a message kit comprises providing a second correspondence medium for receiving information associated with an intended recipient of the personal message.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein providing a message kit comprises providing a first directive for notifying a fiduciary of the author's intention to have the personal message sent to an intended recipient in accordance with the preferred receipt date after the occurrence of the triggering event.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 verifying the accuracy of information provided in the delivery instructions.    
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein verifying the accuracy of information is responsive to notification of the occurrence of the triggering event.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 collecting information associated with life events of an intended recipient of the personal message identified in the delivery instructions.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 determining a calendar date to execute sending the personal message.