Dead Right Life Journey in 10 Steps

Becoming dead right is a journey that begins when your life starts. Death will come when it comes, no matter how often the topic is avoided, how forcefully technology wrestles it to the ground, or how sincerely pleas for more earthly time are requested. Accepting the certainty of death can be so much easier when it’s approached like any other important life event. By following a workable plan while living, comforting closure can be achieved when that ultimate destination is reached. Consider these 10 steps featuring scenic routes on your dead right journey:

10 Steps to Becoming Dead Right

1. Accept death as part of life.

Death will come to everyone. Empower yourself by dealing with this reality.

2. Listen to the Universe.

Some say it’s the Universe. Many use God, Higher Power, or other names. If you believe you are part of an infinite enlightenment, be still and listen.

3. Expect rainbow smiles.

Rainbow smiles are joyous, healing, memorable moments that come more often when anticipated.

4. Live a healthy lifestyle.

Practice habits of healthy living in all areas of your life.

5. Be informed and proactive.

Keep abreast of what’s happening in life. When circumstances arise that can benefit from your input, apply what you know.

6. Do your best.

You can’t solve every problem or be everything to everybody. Do what you can.

7. Give service to others.

Complement others by fulfilling needs through service. Both server and recipient benefit from this win-win partnership.

8. Be grateful for blessings.

Blessings come like wondrous celebrations held in your honor. Let appreciation reign!

9. Put death wishes in writing.

Fulfillment of your end-of-life wishes will often depend on what you discuss and record now. Get medical, financial, and property decisions in order.

10. Have a dignified death journey.

Breathe in your final phase of life with contentment. Experience a dying process that brings beauty and calm to your personal letting go.

© Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes

Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Ten Steps to Becoming Dead Right

                    

                                     Ten Steps to Becoming Dead Right

                                        By Frances Shani Parker, Author

             Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes

1. Accept death as part of life.

Death will come, no matter how often you avoid the topic or how forcefully technology wrestles it to the ground.

2. Listen to the universe.

Some call it the universe, while many use other names. If you believe you are part of an infinite enlightenment, be still and listen.

3. Expect rainbow smiles.

Rainbow smiles are joyous, healing, memorable moments that come more often when you anticipate them.

4. Live a healthy lifestyle.

Practice habits of good health. Commit to including them in your daily living.

5. Be informed and proactive.

Keep abreast of what’s going on. When circumstances arise that can benefit from your knowledge, apply what you know.

6. Do your best.

You can’t solve every problem or be everything to everybody. Just do all you can.

7. Give service to others.

Complement others by fulfilling needs through service. Both server and recipient benefit from this partnership.

8. Be grateful for blessings.

Blessings come like wondrous celebrations held in your honor. Let appreciation reign!

9. Put death wishes in writing.

Fulfillment of your end-of-life wishes will often depend on what you discuss and record now.

10. Have a dignified death journey.

Breathe in your final phase of life with contentment. Experience a dying process that brings beauty and calm to your personal letting go.

Copyright © Frances Shani Parker

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback at many booksellers in America and other countries and in e-book editions at Amazon and Barnes and Noble booksellers.

Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog

Hospice Worker Strategies When Families Expect Miracles

The terminally ill and their families often expect miracles. What can hospice workers do when families firmly hope for miraculous recoveries of dying patients? Doctors are particularly challenged when families continue to speak of divine intervention after all earthly procedures have failed. Respect for the spirituality and religions of others is important during healthcare treatment. Knowing how to walk that fine line of balance can weigh heavily on the quality of death journeys.

Research by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, USA has provided a practical approach to this concern that allows families' beliefs in miracle healings to coexist with practices of good medicine. The following strategies applied to meet the unique needs of families are involved:

1) Exploring the meaning and significance of miracles

2) Providing balanced, nonargumentative responses to families' expectations of miracles

3) Negotiating patient-centered compromises while demonstrating respect for families' spirituality and doing what is medically appropriate.

Using these strategies can provide a means for hospice workers to maintain good relationships with families expecting miracles while medical practices are implemented. Patients are always the first priority.

This Fox News video clip is an example of why many people believe in miracles, regardless of a medical prognosis. Viewers witness the miracle of Val Thomas, a woman who was technically dead for almost 18 hours after two heart attacks. Rigor mortis had even set in. Yet, she lives!


Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”