34. Face the Final Curtain

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"And now the end is here

And so I face that final curtain

My friend I'll make it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more

I did it, I did it my way"

As previously mentioned (#33), I have had an intimate companion in death, a character who has always been there, walking beside me, everywhere I go. Sometimes it trips me up a bit, but because of this I have accepted the concept my own death, and its reminds me to live my life in the moment and take opportunities as they come. And for that, I am grateful.

Of course, having thought about this on a daily basis for 50 years I have opinions on what I feel my perfect death would be, and naturally these have evolved for me through out my existence. When I was young  and still believed in such things, I hoped for a death of bravery and valour. When I had my babies I knew with everything in my being that I would overwhelmingly, willingly, and without hesitation, die to protect them. As my children grew into adults (don't you dare mess with them, I'd still die to protect them) I imagined a perfect death being enough time to say goodbyes and I love you's, being surrounded with family/friends sharing my transition to whatever my next state of existence would be. Then, last year during the "heat dome" of our current climate crisis, all I could hope for was not to bake to death. 

Our relationship with death defines how we decide to live each moment of our life. So many of us never plan for our end. I do have a will, but it does need to be updated. However I could do much more, and given that I have now, miraculously reached the ripe age of 50 years, it is time I started thinking about how to die part of my life.

So here's a list I am considering:

Update my Will

Update my Power of Attorney
Update my Personal Directive
Ensure my Beneficiary information is correct on my Insurances

Update Goals of Care Document
Decide on what I want done with my body after I die
Look at pre-planning Funeral arrangements
Look at where I want to be buried/spread/turned into gems
Consider pre-planning and paying for burial/cremation options
Other estate planning as necessary

Of course, all the planning in the world can't guarantee anything, but if at all possible, I'll do it my way.