Let's Get Our Affairs in Order: Navigating Life's Exit

Bowers writes this book as if she is speaking to you in person over a cup of coffee. She is not afraid to share her own experiences. She has had an interesting but painful life at certain times. Yet she is able to come through, and still be a happy and an affective woman who has great compassion for her family and others.Bishop too has had his crosses to carry. But he is able to come through difficult times with his health. He is a special man who is able to identify with those he has helped carry through trying times as a chaplain. We have been so blessed to have such a strong man of God pray for us and help those who have been navigating their way through death.Many folks have a difficult time talking about their own mortality. It makes them uncomfortable; they feel it may jinx their life to speak about their own death. As if it could happen a moment sooner than it should. Speaking about your own death and preparing for it: is one of the most healthy conversations you and your family will ever have.After the author receives health information from her heart surgeon, she decides that writing a book about what she needed to do to get her life together, and her affairs in order. She is after all a hospital chaplain and a minister, who has counselled many patients and their families about end of life needs, and what a family can do to help. This time she needed to have a conversation with herself and her family.This is a time when a family comes together and helps. Hey, do you have your affairs in order? Do you have an up to date Will and Power of Attorneys for your property and your health care? If you want your life to be less stressful, it is suggested by all who work with patients at end of life that you have these documents in place and that they be current. Your financial advisor can help you, or a lawyer, or check the appendix and see if these documents can help you.After lovingly yet directly asking a good friend one day if he had his s#*t together, Bowers thought it best to ask herself this question as well. The answer, Yes, I do have my affairs in order. I thought it best to do this while I was still in a good mental state of mind, and while I was sensing the urgency of it... I didn't want my family to go through the process of losing me, and also having to deal with the legal ramifications of dying without a Last Will and Testament. So this is one of the best things that you can do, to prepare your Power of Attorney for Health Care. In doing so your family will not be guessing as to what you would want should you become incapacitated. There is no guilt should you have to say no more treatment, or interventions, or to chose a DNR order.As difficult as it is at the end of someone's life, when the decisions have already been made, you are able to spend time with your loved one and not feel the pressure, stress or guilt in having to make those difficult decision.As we journey towards the end of life and preparations for leaving this world, we do not need to be afraid of the unknown. We can use our life's experiences, and defining moments to create a wonderful life. Being elderly does not suggest you stop living, adjust and enjoy your final years with friends and family. You do not stop living because a suggested birthday number is going up. You stop living when your heart stops. You stop living when you close your eyes and take that last and final breath. Be sure you are prepared at the end of your life. Your family with thank you. Read more