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As much as you will gain by getting to know
your loved one better, having the talk should
be a dialogue. It’s an opportunity for you to
share some of the ways they have impacted
your life and the lives of others.
For example, you could share a memory
about a vacation you took together and will
always remember, a piece of advice that you
cherish, a song that reminds you of them or
the ways you will never forget them.
Doing so will help them understand how they
have impacted your life. They will see that
they matter to you.
Sometimes, using a visual prompt, such
as a photo album, souvenir or memento,
can be a great way to start a conversation.
Memorable locations, such as the church
where your loved one was married or a
favorite park can also help someone begin
to open up and share their story.
A conversation might start this way: “Mom,
I’ve always liked this photo of you and Uncle
Tom. Tell me about when this was taken.”
“I know grandpa taught you to fish on Green
Lake. Tell me what you remember about that
first fish you caught.” “Honey, I know you
and your friends always hung out at Benny’s
Diner in high school. Has it changed much
since you and your friends went there?”
You can have the talk of a lifetime with
anyone you hold dear – your parents,
grandparents, aunts and uncles, a spouse.
It can happen anywhere you and your loved
one are most comfortable – over a meal,
at home, on a walk, while playing a game.
The talk can be between you and your loved
one, or you could include others, like family
or friends. Your conversation can take place
at any time – not just at the end of life.
Make the
difference
of a
lifetime.