The end of one’s life is a time for reflection and contemplation. For many, the thought of death can be very uncomfortable and frightening to think about. However, it is important to take the time to consider what matters most in our lives before we are faced with that reality. This blog post will discuss four key messages we want to convey at the end of life: love, forgiveness, appreciation and celebration – so you’ll never have any regrets!
First, we want to let loved ones know that they are LOVED. Someone who is dying may appreciate knowing that family and friends are THINKING of them… Pass on thoughts and PRAYERS from others (for example: the religious community or supportive organizations). Thank them for ALL that they have done – not just in your life but in the lives of LOVED ones and others. Remind them of the QUALITIES that make them SPECIAL to you – even if they’re not perfect! Wear something that YOU know they like or MADE for you, as a reminder of how much it meant to be able (and still does) to SEE and TOUCH their LOVED one’s LIKENESS.
Second, we want to CONVEY forgiveness… for anything they may have done that caused you PAIN or made it difficult to be there emotionally for them in this final stage of life. This is not the time or place to express all of your unresolved feelings towards the LOVED one. Instead, think about how much they have impacted your life and HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!
Third, we want to CONVEY our APPRECIATION for LOVED ones and the impact they’ve had on us. HOW do you feel LUCKY that you were able to have this person in your life? What would be different if they hadn’t been there at all or with you through some of your most difficult times?
Lastly, we want to CELEBRATE their life… Share special memories with them – it may be a day spent together at the beach or a night staying up late talking about what makes US happy. Loved ones may want to know what’s going on in the world and have YOU be a part of it.
What are your favorite memories from their lifetime? LOVED ONES will treasure every moment you dedicate towards honoring them – so don’t hold back! You can also leave something behind as a reminder that they were LOVED by YOU – LOVED ones may be interested in reading them or knowing that they are being thought about.
