13 Comments
User's avatar
Donna Druchunas's avatar

Thank goodness my parents both were willing and able to talk about their wishes. Now I have to think about plans for myself and my husband.

Expand full comment
Jenny Wright's avatar

Thank you for writing about preparing for our death. Not something we like to consider, but crucial. It seems like our society glosses over discussions about death, but good grief, it is part of living, although the end of living. Having all your affairs in order makes things less stressful in a stressful time on your immediate survivors/family/friends. It also makes your wishes clear. One of the things I worry about is my animals. I want to be sure they will be cared for after I am gone, by someone I trust and know will give them the best of care for the rest of their lives.

Expand full comment
Paulette Bodeman's avatar

We in the west have such a difficult time discussing what each of us will face, death. I do think it’s beginning to change but maybe it’s my age that I’m more aware of these conversations. Thank you, Sue for writing about it and for the suggestions.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Cornais's avatar

My last home was near the most beautiful and ecologically diverse cemetery, my favorite place to walk.

I wish people talked about death more. Not talking about it and pretending it's not going to happen only makes life harder for the people you love and leave behind. It's selfish for aging people not to talk about death and make a plan instead of leaving a mess for younger family members to clean up. Good on you for talking about it and encouraging others to talk about it.

Expand full comment
Sue Kusch's avatar

I hope it begins conversations for people. I, too, wish all people would think about all aspects of aging. It makes it easier for for everyone involved. Thank you for commenting, Stephanie.

Expand full comment
Cathy R. Payne's avatar

Thank you, Sue, for writing about an important topic. I put my papers in order last year, but want to give executors specific information they need about bills and such that will need attention, passwords, etc and where to find them. I love life, but don’t want to extend one that is not full and vibrant.

Expand full comment
Sue Kusch's avatar

I just completed a document that holds my financial information including all account numbers, login information and beneficiary name. I stored it on Google Docs and shared it with my son. That way I can easily add, subtract and edit changed passwords and he will be updated each time. Your last sentence is the key to thinking about how we want to live as we age. Thank you, Cathy for your comment.

Expand full comment
Random Reader / JD's avatar

...and if he can't access Google Docs... what then?

Expand full comment
Becki Clifton's avatar

Love this Sue & I love the Ted Talk. I couldn’t get it to play from the website you linked but I found it on YouTube. Great advice and tips!

https://youtu.be/6We_1bXRBOk?si=Wr01iUDgcyUNUCyO

Expand full comment
Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Becki. And thanks for the heads up on the video. I will add it to the links.

Expand full comment
April George's avatar

When I spent 19 days taking care of my dad a few years ago, I like to walk around the Hood River Cemetery and read the headstones. My favorite one was a tall stone that simply said, " Into the Mystic." (Van Morrison song)

Expand full comment
Sue Kusch's avatar

Interesting! After Tom died, I put together a card of sorts with some photos and the lyrics to that song. It was his favorite. I sent it to his relatives and friends scattered throughout the country.

Expand full comment
Janisse Ray's avatar

The changes are looking good.

Expand full comment