By Gary Dickson
Far too many people die totally unprepared for their own death. That causes a major burden, at an already difficult time, for the deceased person”s survivors. Just because we fail to think about and prepare for our death doesn”t mean it isn”t going to happen. We all know it is inevitable, but we tend to turn a blind eye and deaf ear toward it.
My parents have been role models for this preparation. When I think about how my mom and dad have handled their personal finances, I am reminded of an old Rodney Dangerfield joke. I”ll paraphrase it. An international charity volunteer knocks on a door and tells the man of the house that if he will donate just $1 Soo Goo will be able to have food, shelter, clothes, books and pencils. The man replies, “I wish you could teach my wife how to stretch a buck that far.”
Both of my parents have shown an amazing ability to stretch their income. Only my father worked outside the home and he earned an average income; but they paid off their home, always have a nice car, and regarding the subject matter for this week, they began what is now referred to as end-of-life planning while still in their 30s. They purchased cemetery plots at an age when most couples don”t give it a fleeting thought.
Later on, while still relatively young, they went to the funeral home and picked out and paid for their own caskets. They are both in their 80s now and have all of the arrangements made for their eventual deaths.
Unfortunately, my parents are the exception. Even I am far less prepared than they were at my age. Most of us make excuses for why we put off our own end-of-life planning. One of the most common excuses is that most people believe their death is a long way off. Sadly, no one knows when his or her death will take place. Trust me; I know that it can happen sooner than we think it will.
Some people will put it off because they say it is too expensive. Can you imagine the difference in what my parents paid for burial plots in the 1960s, compared to the prices of today? Prepaying for funeral expenses at the current price is almost always a better deal than waiting.
You might be the type of person who thinks it is too morbid to plan for your own death or you may have a real fear of death. Do it out of love for your family. They will benefit from your thoughtfulness. Plus, keep in mind that dying is a natural part of living for every creature on this planet.
There are a number of advantages derived from taking care of your end-of-life planning in advance. I mentioned the money-saving factor and the love that you show for your family. You also get the benefit of making all of your own decisions. That provides peace of mind that events after your death will unfold the way you want them to.
Here are the elements of a good end-of-life plan according to author Judith Johnson. She says to first clarify your values and beliefs about death and dying. Complete a healthcare proxy that legally dictates what health care procedures you will allow. Take care of end-of-life financial planning in advance. Put your death day and ceremony of life instructions in writing so details will be taken care of the way you wish. Finally, she recommends documenting the story of your life from your own perspective, as a gift to your family and friends.
Procrastinate no longer. Make yourself a note to get started next week. Do something, whether it is to attend a seminar on estate planning or visiting a funeral home to look into costs for prepaid funeral programs.
Gary Dickson is the publisher of the Record-Bee. Call him at 263-5636, ext. 24. E-mail him at gdickson@record-bee.com.
