Death has always been something uncomfortable to talk about, something to avoid. The idea that one’s existence on earth comes to an end has always been a sad and heavy thing to talk through.
Our time on earth has to come to an end eventually, but we do know when our time is due. We go to bed every night not knowing if tomorrow will be our last but we continue to plan ahead of our lives like we are going to live 100 years.
With the recent passing of two family members, I witnessed the ‘BIG’ decisions regarding end of life arrangements of the deceased became a burden to their next of kin.
Nobody wanted to talk about it when they were healthy. Many thought it was awkward and insensitive to talk about final days when a family member is diagnosed with a terminal illness. When their time is coming to an end, they were too ill to make any decisions.
Cremation or burial service? White or brown casket? White lilies or daisies? What to be written in the eulogy? What do they want to be remembered by? What happens to the dog and house?
At the end of the day, we wonder if the arrangements were the way he/she wanted. We will never know. Perhaps we should reform the way we think about our end of time. Let’s talk about end of life while we are still alive and healthy.
I wish to be an organ donor and be cremated. No funeral service but a luncheon to gather all my loved ones. All white with orchids and lots of champagne. I want a celebration of my life when my time has come to an end.
Death is imminent. Open conversations about death can aid family members to have a healthy bereavement process when it happens.
Death can be something beautiful.
Comments