Death, A Necessary Conversation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
relationships

Death, The Conversation No LEO Wife Wants To Have But Needs To

None of us are exempt from it.

277
Amber LeBlanc
Amber LeBlanc

When the song, The Weight of the Badge came out by George Strait my husband insisted I listen to it and then told me he wanted it played at his funeral. I gave him a snarl and brushed him off. The thought of losing him be it to old age, accident or disease is the last thing I want on my mind. The problem with brushing it off is that if something did happen I would be utterly unprepared to deal with his death. It isn't that I would be helpless but if something bad happened I don't know where my mind would be. The process of losing a person is not easy and even less so when you aren't prepared for the fatal condition called life.

Death is not a topic to be scared of or avoided, it is a one hundred percent guarantee that at some point this life will end. It does not matter what field or profession a person is in. Any profession can be at risk. It is not just law enforcement that needs to plan ahead. Sickness, disease, and death could hit anyone. Car accidents happen every day and they can happen to anyone. Don't wait until it is too late to make your wishes known.

It is not an easy conversation to start. One thing to consider is that death isn't the first thing to come. Serious disease like cancer or heart disease can cause prolonged hospital stays. Physical injury can lead to disability long before death. Either can leave a person incapacitated and not able to make the decision for themselves. Who would you want with the power to pull the plug?

Then there is who and what you leave behind. Children are a big factor for many people. Their age makes a difference. A two-year-old will need much more care and support financially than a 17-year-old. Debt, assets, and property, all these things have to be considered. Who will get it? Are the children old enough? If something happened to both parents who do you want to take care of your children?

The part that everyone does consider at least once in life is the final parting. Is it cremation or coffin? Is it a burial plot or an exotic location to spread your ashes? Costs are a big factor. Will there be enough money to carry out the type of service and burial that is desired? If you never have the conversation, how do you know what the other person's wishes are?

If you have never had the conversation don't wait another day. None of us are promised tomorrow. It is one of the hardest conversations a person can have. When it comes to that inevitable moment, when the moments on earth end, it will leave some peace. There will be comfort in knowing that their wishes will be carried out. There will be peace in the chaos when the ones left behind are not left piled with uncertainty. Make plans for the future, not just for you but the ones you love. Leave behind a legacy, not a question mark.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

429
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15374
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3149
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments