Planning for the inevitable LOUISE O’MARA

DYING is a difficult topic to talk about.

For many of us, we won’t even contemplate it for years to come until we reach what we consider old age.

But the reality is that we do need to talk about it.

Accidents and illness can happen at any time.

Just look at John Grayson, whose story is featured on pages 6-7.

At 35, he is only a few years older than me and has a rare brain tumour that cannot be removed.

I respect his decision in how he wants to choose how he dies.

Because the alternative is a painful existence of paralysis, cognitive impairment, severe pain and loss of mental capacity.

So regardless of your age, some questions you should ask yourself include:

Do you have a legal document in place detailing your medical wishes?

Would those closest to you know your wishes and honour your wishes?

For instance, when it is my time, I wish to donate as many organs as possible to help others and my husband knows this.

We haven’t made our plans official and it is really something we need to do.

Death doesn’t have to be a scary thing.

If anything, talking about your plan might make it easier.