Pondering Leaves—Colorful End of Life Planning

by Mary Ellen Markant

​Nature dictates that, eventually, all living things must die and leave this earth. Some can only exit inconspicuously, while others have the potential to make a statement reflecting emblems of their existence. Like varied and vibrant leaves bursting with color when their life cycles end, human departures can be uniquely memorable.

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...The funeral industry is no longer lifeless! It has been reinvigorated with exciting new trends and innovations. Static standardization and monotony have been laid to rest, replaced by personalized practices and novel products. 

...Contemplation of decisions about your own end-of-life arrangements can be enlivening. 
Explore a vast variety of options and choose a course of action that exemplifies your inherent characteristics... while actually enjoying the process! 

...Navigation of prospective proceedings allows for influence and involvement as a team participant. Prepare the foundation for family members to build upon.

...Visions of your final affairs can facilitate a sense of awareness and contentment. Curiosity ordinarily "knocked out cold" by naïve evasion can be revived by the exhilarating pleasure of discovery. Capture an imaginary glimpse of your closing encore that you won't be able to witness once the curtain has fallen on your earthly stage. 

...Establishment of preferences and plans may be the greatest treasure you could ever confer on your life companions. Departing without leaving some degree of direction could leave your stricken family members floundering. Give a gift of foresight to prevent confusion and conflicts while alleviating stress during the functional disruption of bereavement. Documentation of wishes and conveyance of your inclinations now could be a lifesaver for loved ones later.

HAVE YOU HEARD

CAN YOU SEE

WHY FROGS ARE PONDERING LEAVES IN THIS POND?

They suggest to us that 
CROAKING... making your voice heard... before you "croak" 
can be the finest form of expression!

Speak up.
Live life out loud.
Plan for the end of it and communicate the details.
Die in concert with your desires.
And then rest in peace.