Making Decisions Helps Us Reflect And Renew

Mar 24

BY WILMA RICE, MSN, RN, CEN

April is South Carolina Health Care Decision Month. It is also spring time, where the world experiences the wonders of life as nature begins to come alive again.

I would ask that we all take a moment during this time of renewal to reflect on what has gone on before and what matters most to you.

My personal reflection is about my family, which experienced the loss of several loved ones in a short period. None of them had conversations with us about their wishes for end-of-life treatment, and as the nurse in the family, it fell to me to speak for them.

The only guidance I had was a deep love and my knowledge of how they lived their lives. I am at ease with the decisions made, but how much easier it would have been if we had taken the time to discuss what matters most to each of us.

Lessons were learned from having to go through this process several times.

My family now has conversations on a regular basis when we come together. These conversations on what matters most to us include some sideway glances at some choices, some thoughtful remarks and, yes, even laughter.

We have even gifted two of our adult children with bracelets for our ashes when we die. They loved it!!

I have no doubt that the decisions will be difficult when another family death comes. At least now, though, the person speaking for their loved one will know they are simply acting on wishes expressed during first-hand conversations.

Please take this time to reflect on what matters most to you. Think about how you want to live the end of your life.

The next step is to turn to your loved ones and say, “there is something important to me that I would like us to talk about.”

Then, talk!

Wilma Rice, MSN, RN, CEN serves as the Co-Chair of the Education/Community Engagement Committee and as an Education Consultant for My Life My Choices.