Birth and death are both natural parts of life. Why is it so easy to talk about the “beginning of life” journey, and so difficult to talk about the end?

Libraries and bookstores are filled with resources to guide and support us through the stages of pregnancy and the birthing experience. Books, support groups, classes, and videos offer information, advice, insights and tips for expectant mothers and fathers. Why aren’t similar resources available to walk us through the end of life journey?

It’s Uncomfortable Talking about Death

A 2017 national survey by the Angus Reid Institute, in partnership with Faith in Canada 150, highlighted that modern western society is uncomfortable talking about death. A decline in the presence of religion may be a factor in our society’s struggle to find common language around death.

The book “Someone I Love is Dying” provides practical advice, examples, checklists and forms to make the end of life conversations a little easier. Discussing and planning for death makes it simpler to honour a loved one’s wishes for end-of-life care. Talking with them can help avoid confusion and make the process less agonizing. Planning in advance for arrangements after death gives a loved one time to consider how they want to be remembered and honoured. It can help remove some of the emotional burden on surviving family and friends.

Let’s hope that conversations about preparing for death become as natural as planning for giving birth.