death & dying

[Guest guest]

I'm glad to see this issue addressed. We all need to face it, not just those with NS or other chronic illnesses, but those who are perfectly healthy. There are many good resources re: death & dying, but my favorite two books are "Final Gifts" & "Living With the End in Mind." I'll have to find them to get the authors' names. Final Gifts was written by two hospice workers & totally changed my perspective on dying. I wasn't afraid of dying before, but I did dread certain aspects of the process. This book explains the power that dying people possess & gifts they can give us, if we are paying attention. I would recommend this to anyone of any faith, or no faith.

The other book, Living With the End in Mind, was written by a couple after the wife was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She started making videos for her toddler daughter to watch at appropriate times, as well as "taking care of business" such as contacting old friends, etc. Then her husband realized that he could die first, in a car accident or something else, so he started making lists of stuff to do. Their friends & family asked for the lists & a book for born. It addresses 4 or 5 areas of life (physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, etc.) to basically tend to, get resolved, whatever, then live your life in the best way possible. For instance, the woman had been on the outs with a friend for years. When the friend heard she had cancer, she called & they were able to reconcile. The author encourages us not to wait until someone has cancer to repair broken relationships. This is a small book, broken into sections, with lists of ideas. There are so many things I would never have thought of. For instance, she and her husband spent a weekend organizing family photos into albums, then made a tape for each album, reminiscing about the pictures & event. When their daughter is older, she can play the tape as she looks through the album.

Anyway, Living With the End in Mind was written by & Kramp. died about 4 years after diagnosis; I think her daughter was 5, maybe. Final Gifts was family member to read Final Gifts.

Ramblin' Rose

Moderator

Reply-To: Neurosarcoidosis To: Neurosarcoidosis Subject: Re: A DIFFICULT SUBJECT...Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2006 06:54:07 -0000

You are right Ron, no one lives forever and the better prepared we are, the easier it is.

Having a will and your final requests in order make it easier on loved ones in a difficult time.

Sarc is going to take me out, I know it - but my husband will know that I want a pink/mauve casket.

Madonna

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