Here I am with my mom in her home. If you’ve read my book,
you know that my mom and I had that awkward conversation about end of life planning. How did it start? “Hi mom, awkward conversation coming up. I want to talk about end of life planning". I did it and Geordie did (well, that’s another story), and it was so empowering. As we aspire to help create a culture of change, I had to walk my talk. We reflected on that conversation, then took it a step further: Me: “I was relieved that you were open and receptive!” Mom: “I was because I had thought about it for years but I really didn’t know how to even start having ‘The Talk". I had no idea how to open the subject up. So for me it was a great relief to get it all talked about and done; everyone knows my wishes and they are all written down. Me: “We even went to the funeral home, talked about organ donation, wills… everything! I felt a great sense of relief, even if it was emotional, facing mortality. But, when people say, "I don’t want to talk about that stuff", if you’re in a crisis, facing end of life or you don’t get the opportunity to talk…isn’t that so much worse?” Mom: “I can’t imagine!” Me: “You’ve also taken trinkets and put names down so that everyone has something of yours, and today we took it another step further!” Mom: “Yes we did. I love to sing and write songs for my children and people I love. So I took the song, "You’ve Got a Friend" and added my own verse, because that’s the message I want to leave for everyone. So we just filmed it and it was very emotional. I couldn’t believe it. It was great and I’m thrilled that it’s done.” Me: “It will be played at your Celebration of Life and it’s a treasure—it truly is. As strange as it seems that we’re having this conversation and doing these things, it’s a wonderful gift and I’m grateful that you’re willing to do it. We can have a little cry, and I’m sure we will.” I know you may not want to have ‘The Talk" but I have to tell you; it is empowering, bonding, and is a gift. It will be part of your legacy. Have you had “The Talk?”
4 Comments
7/6/2017 08:40:48 pm
I just had to tell you the the love practically oozes out of you when you look at your mom. So special, thanks for sharing xoxox
Reply
Yvonne
7/7/2017 11:14:14 am
Thank you Nancy! We really can be more practical and logical if we talk about these things before we are facing them. I know I will be a hot mess at that time and would never be able to get these things done! :)
Reply
Claudette
7/7/2017 09:33:22 am
Week of course this is your very best vloguo to now!!LOL
Reply
Yvonne
7/7/2017 11:15:21 am
It certainly is an important message!! Thank you for being willing to share it. I have no doubt it will empower others to do the same! :)
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Yvonne Heath is Canada's Proactive Living Consultant. She is a Speaker, Television Host, Award Winning Author Guest Blogs
Best Selling Author & Coach Ann McIndoo's Blog Yvonne's Guest Blog Life and Death Matters Archives
April 2023
Categories |