I love the winter season; it is the perfect balance of stillness and wonder. Winter provides time to reflect. I can pause long enough to reflect on the year coming to an end and prepare for the next. This season gives us the chance to reflect on the past and prepare for the future all at the same time.
This year I think about the things that were out of my control. While this may seem daunting to some, it reminds me to focus on the things I can control. One of those things is my end-of-life planning.
My first introduction to the important lesson of end-of-life planning was taught to me by my Grandfather, Harrie Bowie. He was a big fixture in my life as he could repair and do everything from cars and washer machines, to fishing and hunting. I thought the world of him. When he started getting sick at 82, my mother took me with her to talk to him about his end of life wishes. I will never forget what he told us that day. My mother was trying to figure out how the family would pay for his funeral and other things when my grandfather interrupted her. He said “Temple (my mother’s nickname) you don’t need to worry about life insurance for me, I have been saving my whole life for this day. I have $7000.00 saved up under my bed. It will cover everything.” And it did. My little 80 year old grandfather, who had only received an eighth grade education, who worked as butcher to feed his family of nine and was the sole provider, had the forethought of planning for his final days. He died the way he lived…not depending on anyone to provide for him or his family.
This is the perfect season to plan and prepare for your end of life (whenever that may be) by first figuring out what your priorities are at the end of life. Do you want every available medical option? Do you want very few medical interventions? Who will be your healthcare proxy, the one who will make medical decisions if you are unable to make them yourself? You must document your end of life wishes in an advanced directive also known as a living will. Be sure to discuss it with your loved ones, especially your proxy. Finally, have meetings and tell everyone what your wishes are, thereby addressing any confusion before tough decisions have to be made.
Taking these steps is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and anyone you care about. Planning truly provides peace and the lack of planning is not only impacting our health and wealth but also our legacies within our communities. Life insurance, for example, is a way to transfer wealth to the next generations and beyond.
Start now, before a time of crisis and encourage anyone over the age of 18 to do the same. Include them in family discussions as much as possible so we start to change the stigma and fear behind having these conversations and taking action steps.
Remember, talking about death can be intimidating and scary but not talking about it is even scarier. I challenge you to visit www.compassionandchoices.org/eolc/finish-strong-tools/ and start TODAY! Begin 2026 with the peace of knowing you are prepared. As our elders advise, if you stay ready…you don’t have to get ready!