End of Life: Are You Planning?

Well, I'm not sure what made me get off the dime and get it done, (was it my mother?), but being on the Endowment Board was a major part of it. I had read the pamphlet PLANNING FOR THE END OF LIFE. So here I had all the information AND the forms AND I was on the Board. How could I expect others to do what I was not willing to do? It was time TO GET IT DONE!

First I completed "My Medical Directive". A trusted friend read it over and made sure I was clear and consistent. I didn't want anyone to be unsure of my wishes or to question those making decisions for me. After the sad story of Terri Schiavo, this was very important to me. I made a zillion copies and gave them to family, friends, the church and a copy sits on my desk.

Next I completed the rest of the forms: "Organ Donation", "Healthcare Proxy", & "My Personal Statement". They are kept with "My Medical Directive".

Lastly, the "Funeral and Burial Instructions" were completed and a copy given to the church. They too were easy to fill out and didn't take much time.

Even though I have a small family now and trust them completely, things don't often happen the way you plan for them to. And I just wanted to make it as easy as I can for those faced with making these decisions.

The Endowment Board has put a copy of PLANNING FOR THE END OF LIFE from the Episcopal Church Foundation on the table in the Common Room for all those interested in this information to look at. If you would like your personal copy to complete, they are available in the office.

Ann Moon

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© 2007 St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico