Dying to Talk: Exploring Death through Cards, Care, and Cafes - Episode 60

Dying to Know Straight Talk about Death and Dying? If you are like most people, you are not. There is a growing trend where strangers are meeting in places to discuss end of life issues.As a nurse that has worked with the aging population for most of my life, I have come to be very open about death and dying. I am very comfortable discussing end of life issues.In fact, I was fired from a world-class cancer center for discussing hospice and end of life with a young patient. She went on hospice the next day and was able to die at home, instead of at the cancer center. But, the facility could not allow anyone to discuss or even broach the subject of end of life.It would affect the research numbers. Thus the money these organizations depend on to help Big Pharma find a cure.Rarely will you hear the words from your medical professional, ” we do not have to treat this condition. We can make you comfortable. What are your concerns about end of life issues?”For decades, many have tried to shield our children from death and dying. When I was growing up, I remember a boy in my class and neighborhood died from leukemia. He was “laid out” in his living room instead of a funeral home. I remember the feelings of confusion and loss. That same year, I lost my maternal grandmother. I was 7 years old.I come from a very large family, and we all gathered with our cousins and friends at the funeral for 3 days. There were children running around and everyone was there to pay their respects.Today, many do not know what to do at a funeral home or even support someone that has lost someone.I know, from personal experience. After the death of my mother, when I was in nursing school and the death of my oldest son people avoid you. My oldest son was a disabled veteran that completed suicide. People tend to avoid those with a recent loss, because it makes them feel uncomfortable.It is no wonder then, that an entire generation of baby boomers avoids discussions about end of life. They have had so many previous generations resist talking about death.Baby boomers are a generation that has worked to acquire things.Giving up things is not something many are familiar with or know how to deal with loss. It therefore is a difficult concept for many boomers to leave life and everything behind.