{"id":51,"date":"2009-05-15T18:11:45","date_gmt":"2009-05-15T18:11:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/yourdailyspiritualstimulus\/2009\/05\/our-journeys-end-end-of-life-planning.html"},"modified":"2009-05-15T18:11:45","modified_gmt":"2009-05-15T18:11:45","slug":"our-journeys-end-end-of-life-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/yourdailyspiritualstimulus\/2009\/05\/our-journeys-end-end-of-life-planning.html","title":{"rendered":"Our Journey’s End: End of Life Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"
My life has been filled with experiences that have
\ntaught me the importance of planning ahead and taking care of those we
\nlove in the event that we are unable to do so ourselves. One of the
\nmost critical of these issues is planning for the end of our lives. <\/font><\/p>\n


\nI know this is one of the most difficult subjects I will ever discuss
\nwith you, but it’s so important. I hope you will allow yourself this
\nopportunity to consider these necessary actions for the sake of your
\nwell-being and as well as that of your loved ones. <\/font>

\n<\/font>

\nNone of us knows exactly how or when we will die, but we all know it
\nwill happen…someday. I believe that we should try to approach death
\nin the same manner that, hopefully, we approach life – intentionally
\nand with an effort to do as much good and as little harm as possible.
\nWhen it comes to exiting gracefully, it is best to plan for and embrace
\nour eventual death as consciously as possible. <\/font>

\n<\/font>

\nHere are some steps to take in thinking about how you would like to live the last days of your life:<\/font>

\n1.    Begin by writing out how you would want to live the last days of
\nyour life. Where would you like to be? Who would you like to be with you? What ceremonies or rituals would you like performed? What
\nservices or celebrations would you like held in honor of your life?
\n(Personally, I want the party before<\/i> I go and then a great roast at my funeral…which had better be good or I’ll be back!)<\/font><\/p>\n


\n2.    Create an “End of Life” Journal and write out your thoughts and
\nfeelings about your life’s journey. Inside, you might also write a
\nletter to each of your loved ones. Express whatever you
\nneed them to know so that you can both be complete when you’re gone.<\/font><\/p>\n


\n3.    Discuss your wishes in detail with your spouse, trusted friend,
\nor family members. Ask for their support in allowing you to leave in
\nthe manner of your choosing.<\/font><\/p>\n


\n4.    Appoint someone who is emotionally willing and capable to be in
\ncharge of your personal, medical and financial affairs. Create a file
\nwith all of your insurance, legal and financial documents and review it
\nin advance with your appointed agent. Make sure this person is fully
\ncapable of handling the responsibility of caring for your medical needs
\nand financial affairs.<\/font><\/p>\n


\n5.    In order for your wishes to be carried out, it is important that
\nyou complete a living will and a state approved medical directive<\/a>. Prepare these legal forms
\nwell in advance to avoid a crisis later. Without this, your family or
\nappointed agent will not have the legal right to make decisions on your
\nbehalf. <\/font><\/p>\n


\n6.    Share your desire to have your loved ones fully support your
\nwishes and not interfere with your medical directives, even if they
\ndisagree.<\/font>

\n
7.    Discuss what you’d like to have happen as your illness
\nprogresses. Ask your loved ones and family to be your advocate if you
\ncannot communicate for yourself. <\/font>

\n
8.    Discuss your end-of-life wishes with your doctor and healthcare
\nproviders in detail. Have them explain your end-of-life choices and
\noptions thoroughly. Make sure you discuss your pain management options
\nwith them and give them a copy of your medical directive. Physicians
\nare not required to follow directives if they disagree with your
\nwishes, so it’s best to have a candid discussion with them and ask them
\nif they plan to honor your directives.<\/font><\/p>\n


\n9.    You may want or need to look into hospice options in your area.
\nHospice workers are highly trained, end-of-life caregivers who are
\ntruly a gift to the dying and their loved ones during their final days.
\n <\/font>

\n<\/font>

\n10.  You may want to request a loving prayer vigil to surround
\nyou in love and light during your transition. Death, like life, is a
\nspiritual journey. Although we must all someday leave this earth, we must always remember that we wherever we go, we go with God. Know
\nthat as we leave this place and our human body, we are simply
\nreturning to His loving arms and embracing His Greater Plan for our
\nspiritual unfolding.<\/font><\/p>\n


\nHere’s a poem I wrote for the services of a dear friend not long ago:<\/font>
<\/font><\/div>\n


\n
\n<\/span><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Love’s Journey<\/p>\n

From the womb I came
\nTied to this umbilical cord called love;
\nThe source of life that nourishes
\nAnd sustains us on this human journey.<\/p>\n

On my darkest nights,
\nWhen lost I became,
\nLove’s light would find me,
\nHer hand gently guide me,
\nLike a wick to the flame.<\/p>\n

When my heart was filled with pain and regret,
\nLove came clothed in forgiveness.
\nShowed me the mercy in surrender
\nAnd healed my brokenness.<\/p>\n

I came here with nothing,
\nYet I leave with everything.
\nNo lesson more lasting than this simple truth;
\nLife is not about living; it is about loving.<\/p>\n

So when I’m gone and all that’s left of me is love,
\nGive it away!
\nSo that the seed that began as my love for you
\nContinues to blossom throughout time,
\nthrough me to you and onto the next,
\nlike seeds in the wind.<\/p>\n

And in this way, I shall live forever.<\/p>\n

~ Deborah Price<\/p>\n

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