Death Planning

Just as people prepare for a birth by planning out everything that will be needed for the coming baby, so a Death Plan should have all the necessary details written down and kept in a safe yet accessible place so everyone is clear on all desired wishes of the dying person.

Some questions to consider:

Do you have an Advanced Care Plan?
Have you prepared a Last Will & Testament?
Do you have a Substitute Decision Maker or Power of Attorney for Personal Care?
Have you signed and posted a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) ? Where is it posted?
Who is your closest, trusted Loved One/Support Person?
Do you have Grief Support in place?
What faith or religion is most important/ meaningful to you?
Would you like to have a Vigil?
Is doing a Legacy Project important to you?
Is doing a Life Review important to you?
Are there any specific Rituals you want observed ?
Do you want a Funeral Service or Memorial Service?
Have you a Funeral Home in mind to contact?
Do you want to be Buried or Cremated? Have you purchased a grave plot?
Have you arranged a new home for your pets?
Have you documented all your social media passwords?
Are your finances in order with all important document locations shared?

THE DASH

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning... to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own: the cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy’s being read with your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?

~ Linda Ellis