The concept of the end of life is a period that has evolved over time, with a longer duration due to advancements in health care. The end of life stage is likened to other life course stages, with specific tasks and preparations needed for a smooth transition.
A new workbook by a Minneapolis cardiologist offers guidance and reflective prompts to prepare for conversations with loved ones about end-of-life topics.
A woman’s terminal cancer diagnosis leads her to organize farewells with loved ones, ensuring her affairs are in order, resulting in what her family calls a “Good Death.”
“The individual who has received the diagnosis has entered the experience of the last days of their life, and that is a daunting task. Fortunately, an ancient profession has become new again.”
“Part of the experience of death is finding ways to accept what has happened, express what we are feeling, and find ways to move on. We, as adults, need to find ways to help our children to do this too.”
“You need to understand that you should not be afraid of dying. Be afraid of not living your life, of mindlessly moving from day to day …”
“One of the most common types of stories we hear about caregiving at The Conversation Project is the ‘seagull effect.’ I’ve been teaching others about this. Yet this past year, it hit me like a brick … I am the seagull!”
“I dislike the phrase, ‘They failed treatment.’ The amount of judgment within this phrase is damaging.”
“Once you come up with a few items that bring comfort and involve the senses, it becomes easier to construct an individualized plan to share with those who are near and dear to our hearts.”
“If we are trying to design a ‘good death’ we could well cause ourselves more suffering.” — Roshi Joan Halifax
