Review: Talking About Death is so important
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 2, 2012
I have a cancer. I don't usually like to hear about end stage stories because they are scary and painful. But this is an important story because it looks realistically at death, what seems to be a recurring theme as the body shuts down, and what those dying and those surrounding them need to be aware of to make the process less scary and painful.Most people avoid this subject because it is too uncomfortable. I have a dear friend who now works in the field of Palliative Care. She tells me stories of families that absolutely refuse to let the person dying know that they are dying. It's like they don't want to have those conversations or let anyone else push them into those kind of intimacies because they are so threatening. This is a great disservice to loved ones on both sides; those dying, and those needing to say goodby.Plus, this books brings up the fact that examining issues of faith, finances and familial relationships ahead of time, keeping the lines of communication open saves all grief during those scary and sometimes uncomfortable last days. What we know for sure about life, is that it ends. Avoiding that issue until its too late to say what you want to say means a lifetime regretting the fact one wasn't prepared. Force yourself to think about it. Know that services are in place to make the process less painful. Birth and death is about the most intimate you can get. Yes, we love when a rose starts to bloom, but when its petals wilt and fall we have the memory of how gloriously it blossomed for us to enjoy its beauty and aroma.Don't be afraid. Sit quietly and let in what this book is telling you. Each day will be better from now on for doing so.