My Grandmother wanted yellow roses...

My passion for end-of-life care brought me here to you. I have spent over 20 years in hospice care ensuring that everyone received the best care possible. The privilege of sharing those last days, hours and minutes with someone is a tremendous honor and one I never take lightly. There was a recurring theme that came up time and time again with those caring for people at end-of-life. When the time comes for their loved one's last breath, what's next? Is there a chosen funeral home? Do they want to be buried or cremated? Who will take care of their dog? Where do they keep their checkbook? Which bills need to be paid? Where is the key to the safety deposit box? These are just a few questions that you have the opportunity to answer for those you will be leaving behind.

 

After my grandfather passed, away my grandmother often called on me for help, whether it was carrying in heavy groceries from her car or driving her to doctor appointments. One day, on the way to an appointment I found the opportunity to ask her what flowers she would want at her funeral. She thought for a minute and replied, "yellow roses". She went on to say that yellow roses were the flowers in her wedding bouquet and that's what she would want at her funeral. That simple question gave me the information that would bring me the most comfort after her passing. I knew what flower she wanted and I had the opportunity to honor her by placing yellow roses on her casket. This may not seem important to you, but for me, it was the question that led into a bigger conversation about her end-of-life plans and where her important papers were kept so that I could make sure that my father and his brother could find them when needed.

 

Today, you have the opportunity to leave that information for those you will leave behind. Whether it is next year or 20 years from now, you can give them the answers so they don't have to guess. They will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are honoring you EXACTLY how you want to be honored and they will carry on your LEGACY because you left it for them IN WRITING <3

~A