Death is a subject many people try to avoid thinking and talking! I know it's awkward, emotionally charged and is not the easiest to contemplate. But the fact is, no matter how you try to avoid that - with time it is! No one escapes!
I am a psychologist and 15 years was a loss and grief counselor and educator ... so I'm well aware of how death is not the voice of the most popular conversation!
But the thing is ... when faced with the imminent (or sudden) death of someone you love is most likely experiencing a multitude of thoughts and emotions. And then you may have to make decisions on things like the funeral, things that are emotionally charged ... and can become an emotional nightmare but it was discussed.
Now, I'm not saying that talking about death, making your wishes and want to know, discover what you want your loved ones as well, take away the pain of mourning ... but can do much to help people deal with what is already a difficult time.
And remember that talking about death, making some decisions now, doing a few things now, your death will not happen any faster!
A couple of things things you can do now:
1) You have a will? Too often people do not make a will ... is something that does not go around asking, have the conviction that if they write a will are also writing Their death sentence (I've had that said to me several times), or argue that the point of writing a will not I have nothing to leave. A will is important. It is easy to do - should not be complicated. Forms are available so you can also do it yourself.
2) Once you have made your will - put it in a safe place and let people know where it is. I've seen a number of families who can not begin to approach things (these practices after death) they do not know where the will is and nothing can go forward until the will is read.
3) Upgrade your desire especially when circumstances change, for example, your child birth, divorce, change of asset wealth, death in the family.
4) Do you know what funeral you want to use? That is something that we can make a decision now without any commitment (eg outlaying money). I know many people say they do not care and that may be decided by families when the time comes, but it is much easier for Those left if they can be guided by what you want.
5) Do you know if you want to be buried or cremated? This can be a difficult decision for families to do particularly if there are different opinions within the family. If they can be guided by your desires can make the decision easier.
6) If you intend to be cremated ... know where you would like your ashes to be put? In reality, your physical body does not know anything about it (note I said the physical body), but if you have a favorite place may be useful to know the family.
At this point ... be careful to say things like you want to be put under the orange tree in the backyard. If ashes are placed in a home can be difficult for families to get away from home for example, if the house must be sold at some point.
7) Have you thought of this scenario ... if you die far from home, for example, overseas, interstate, you want your body back home for the funeral? " This can place a huge burden, both financial and emotional, to family members. Let people know if it's good for them not to bring the body back, but maybe your ashes.
8) Have you ever considered organ donation? If you suddenly died in an accident for example, your family may be asked to consider your donation organs. Now that a decision can be huge for the family to do especially if they had no idea how you feel about that! Organ donation is a major problem in Australia because there are not nearly enough organ donors. Many people have told me over the years said they would donate their organs, but did not tell anyone or made official!
These are just some of the practical things you can begin to think and do. It is not morbid to start planning your death ... Death is a reality. And once you did this, and let your thoughts and desires known to people, she must think again. And it is easier, much easier for the families in the long run. I know because I recently went through this with my father.
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