All the space between birth and death is living. YET we tend to conceptually segregate our final experience off from all that has preceded it.
The experience of dying a gradual death is an important, integral part of life. It is an opportunity to write our final chapter, to define the ending of our story.
How we face our impending death can result in our finest work. Or we may be so frightened in the face of this terrifying challenge that we can't quite get ourselves to rise to the occasion. The part of our life that is associated with dying, that final challenge, will be met in the same way we have dealt with any other challenge in our life. A doer will get things done and address issues straight on. A procrastinator not so much. A talker will probably become more chatty, an introvert will probably be even quieter. Our personality doesn’t change; it intensifies.
To say dying is a challenge is an understatement. If we don’t get run over by a truck or experience some other form of a “fast death," we will be presented with the opportunity not just to put our material affairs in order, but to put our relationships in order, as well.
Yet, how many of us pretend death won’t arrive, pretend the treatment will extend life indefinitely, pretend a miracle will happen? The thing is, we live inside of our bodies. We know. We know when treatment isn’t working. We know when we are in our last chapter. We know when we have further work to be done before we leave. BUT most of us ignore that which we “know” and pretend. Pretend we will get better. Pretend when the treatments aren’t working.
Hospice and end of life doulas offer the opportunity to address the fears, and the reluctance to accept that our life is approaching its end. They give guidance in putting affairs in order, encouragement and support in saying goodbyes. End of life support can help us finish our work. It can help us write our final chapter in a more meaningful way.
Something more about... Writing Our Final Chapter More Meaningfully
When we know the signs of approaching death, we have that knowledge, we can make plans. Plans for our final chapter and for those we may be caregiving. As I always say, Knowledge Reduces Fear. Read these essential booklets, the End of Life Guideline Series, to gain knowledge. Share them with your special people. We all support each other better when everyone has the same tools.
