A bit of a serious headline I know, but something that would be good for us all to consider.
As a woman in her fifties, I have come a long way in my life. If I continue to be healthy I hope to have at least another 30 years on this earth. Who knows what is around the corner though?
Too many people I’ve known have died far too early and I can, unfortunately, name at least 10 men and women who have left their partners, parents, children and numerous friends behind.
Now I feel almost numb when I hear of someone else who has died. It’s not that I don’t feel sad and upset about it but it just becomes a ‘here we go again, who’s next?’
What’s the point of writing about this?
It has made me think about my own life and what I have in place.
Many people avoid talking about death and their wishes. It’s like if I talk about it, it will happen.
For me, it’s important to talk and ensure my family is ok and that they know what to do if the unthinkable happens. I won’t be here, so in many ways, what happens doesn’t really matter too much to me. However, I know as a grieving person it helps to know what to do as far as funerals, inheritance and personal wishes goes. My affairs need to be in place more for the sake of my loved ones than for me.
I have friends who’ve lost their partners or parents and had no idea about the finances or passwords to get into their computers, where the will was or if there even was one.
The stress this caused on top of grieving for their loved ones was and is unnecessary.
Also, how death is prepared for also affects the loved ones in their grief. I know of children whose parents died without leaving them a note or message and that made dealing with their death even harder.
Of course, not everyone gets to say good bye. Accidents and sudden deaths happen all the time.
So, let’s be transparent and prepared for what life might throw at us. Saying or writing to our loved ones about how we feel will never be wasted. Leaving instructions on where to find insurances, the will, passwords and other documents should be done sooner rather than later.
It sounds extreme even to me writing this but I know the distress and disbelief that can happen if we are not prepared.
I intend to live life to the fullest, be grateful that I get to be older and appreciate my body for enabling me to do the things I do.
I hope that in the light of this blog, it gives you pause for thought and perhaps some changes in your life too!
