From the article: Conversation Starters About End of Life Wishes
Sometimes beginning the conversation about what our end of life wishes are is the most difficult part. If we can just get past the first few sentences, it can send us on our way toward a very meaningful discussion. Here are some suggestions empowered About.com readers have made about how to start that difficult conversation. Share Your Ideas
end of life wishes
- My grandma who died at the age of 85 was a practical lady. She would be the one to start this conversation. She told us exactly what to do and who should do what. She never evaded this topic, rather more forthcoming and open about it. My grandma lived a rather eventful life, she was the life and soul of the family, rather the glue that kept us all together and I really didn't want her to die, I wanted her to remain immortal because she showed me what unconditional love really means. But when she talked about her own end of life wishes she made me realize that though she may be gone physically she never really left us in spirit. The fact that she usually brought up this topic of end of life wishes showed what a brave and courageous woman she was and one who did not fear death. She died of old age and that is something I am pleased about for she had truly lived her life meaningfully and has set an example to all of us. If only I could be half as strong as her. May her soul rest in peace
- —Guest Atha
Direct and Confident
- I have always found that humor helps any conversation to start or to finish. Most people do not like speaking of end of life, but wow, how important to do so! When my sister was dying at the young age of 44 we knew exactly how she wanted to be treated and we honored her wishes. Yes, we would joke, but the fact remains that we and her doc knew what she wanted. She broached the subject with her doc with, "So, you tell me I am going to die within the next _______. Let me tell you how I want that to happen. Nothing gets a person's attention like directness and confidence. She died the way she lived, her way. Thank you
- —Guest Peg Feod
Ideas to get the conversation started
- Another one of Nicholas Sparks books titled The Choice!
- —Guest gloria.sim
