My mom is dying. I watch her slipping away; I comfort her frail mind; I grieve her final release from Earth. The black demon of cancer is finishing its destruction of her body. I feel many emotions: sadness, anger, relief. And during this emotional whirlwind, I am grateful my mother had made decisions and plans to ease the stresses and burdens of the end-of-life experience(event).
When people think of planning, they usually think of purchasing a funeral plan and cemetery plots. This is important. But, I feel there is more planning that needs to be considered.
My mom has spent countless hours with family members going through things–her cedar chest, her photo albums, her closets. She has chosen family mementos that will be passed down to her children and grandchildren. In the comfort of her home, with loved ones, she has developed a program for her service: the speakers, the songs, the pallbearers. She and her husband have met with attorneys and have their wills and trusts in place. They have secured their cemetery plots, purchased and placed a grave marker, and have been paying for a funeral plan as well. As her health began to decline, her husband purchased life insurance a few years ago to help pay for the final expenses.
When the time arrives for my mother to slip away from her sickened body, I know it will be an emotional time. I love her, and while I’m still here, I will dearly miss her. My family and I I will be grieving, but thanks to my mother, grieving is all we will have to do. Because she cared about her family’s well-being, she made these important decisions ahead of time and has removed the stress and burden from her family. I am so grateful for this last act of kindness, and it will be something I will do for my children.
Families who care, prepare. Thanks for caring mom!
I am Brandon W. Burningham CFSP, CPC and I thought you would like to know.
Brandon W. Burningham CFSP, CPC