MY END OF LIFE PLANNING GUIDE

Several years ago I attended a conference at which Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross lectured about her book on "Death and Dying." A participant asked how she could talk with a child about anything as horrible as death. Dr. Kubler-Ross responded, "With that attitude you don't!" While death is a reality for all of us, many people have difficulty talking about or planning for it.

From my years of pastoral care ministry I know how important it is for individuals to do life end planning. Many times I have stood beside a grave with a spouse and heard them say, "My spouse was a wonderful husband/wife but (s)he would never talk about death." They were left with the responsibility of making final arrangements without knowing what their spouse wanted to be done. Several didn't have a clue about their finances, insurance policies, assets and personal property.

With this in mind planning is a helpful gesture of love one can do for one's family. It relieves them of some of the stress of making major decisions concerning what the deceased family member desired.

In the last chapter of my book I explain how Sharon and I did our life end planning. To help others do similar planning I have developed a booklet titled, "My End of Life Planning Guide."

The forms outline essential information for use with the mortuary and for recording other important personal information. If properly completed it will provide survivors with important information needed for making final arrangements and settling your estate.

I suggest that once you have completed the booklet you review it every year to be certain it is kept up to date.

The booklet is not intended as a substitute for financial or legal advice. One should consult with their Financial Counselor or Elder Lawyer concerning these matters.

You may "click" on the link below to review the booklet and may download it free from that site. I hope you will also take time to review other helpful information on my web site.

I hope you will return often to my blog as I add additional poems and articles. I would love to interact with you. You may contact me by clicking here.

May you experience peace and comfort through the presence of our precious abiding Holy Comforter. He will not leave us comfortless.

Hugs, In Christ's and My Love,

Don E. Cunningham Copyright 4-25-2007