One of the many things that priests
do is walk with people through the difficult chapters of their lives. No two chapters are ever written in the same
manner and yet no matter how they are written, there are similarities in
them. In almost every situation, there
is loss and there is grieving. For those
that are left dealing with the incidents, it can be very difficult to put
affairs in order. Fortunately, there are
ways in which we, as loved ones, can help alleviate some of those
difficulties. What follows are three
examples of different ways things are handled.
This summer when Ryan was
accidentally electrocuted, I became aware of my own mortality and that
accidents happen. While I have already
planned my funeral and created an Advanced Health Care Directive, I realize
that I haven’t updated either of them in over six years and now might be the
time to revisit them. I also realize
that no one in this area actually knows where any of the documents are located
so they do no one any good.
As we prepared for a funeral last
week, I was very thankful that she had prayed, thought and planned the services
down to the minutest detail. Not only
had she written them down, but she also shared them with St. Matthew’s so we
had them on file. In a time of great
suffering for the family not having to question the family for planning
purposes was a gift that she gave them.
They were able to spend those days between her death and funeral
grieving their loss.
Just this past week, I was called
to the hospital for a friend that was found in her home unconscious. She was unable to speak or make decisions for
herself. Unfortunately, no one knew who
her healthcare power of attorney was, whether she had an advanced directive or
even who her attorney might be. The doctors
and hospital staff were making decisions based upon medical protocol and not
necessarily what her wishes were. If she had the necessary documents and
information no one knew where or what they said.
In each of these incidents, the
frailty of life was present. It makes me
aware of just how easy it is for something we never thought could happen
does. And it also makes me realize just
how important it is that our loved ones know how to handle the everyday issues
within our lives. That is where advanced
directives, pre-planning funerals, wills, senior health records and personal affairs
records come in handy. Each of these
forms allows you, your family, and the medical community access to your wishes
when needed. My parish already
stores funeral arrangements for parishioners.
I am sure, that if any parishioner wished, your home church would also store any of
the above forms at the church in order that they are readily available when
needed. If you have any question about any
of the forms mentioned above, not only do I have blank copies to offer, but can
also help explain what each of the forms are used for and why they are
important to have completed.
Take a few
minutes and give one of the greatest gifts you are able to give to your family
and friends by completing the forms and sharing them with your loved ones.
