Having "The Talk" with my Mom

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?”
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