This week is National Palliative Care Week and the theme this year is Dying to Talk; Talking About Dying Won’t Kill You. This series of videos/blogs is to help you be more PRESENT when with your loved who is on their end journey. Today we look at the second E, which stands for Encourage.
Encourage your loved one on their end journey to talk about their experience, as appropriate. Acknowledge the fact that they are actually dying – so often even just this simple acknowledgment is not made. Often times there may be fear around having discussions of this nature & not wanting to burden or worry others if the fact that death is coming is acknowledged. In actuality, the truth is often freeing & it then provides the opportunity to undertake practical matters that need to be addressed. And of course, it allows for things to be said & done that can deliver peace.
I’m not saying this needs to be the only topic of conversation & certainly don’t force anything, but gently & lovingly encourage as appropriate. If there is a strong no coming from your loved one, respect that as they are clearly still struggling with their own journey.
Peace & blessings, Sharon
