Making Peace

So much of the care loved ones receive at the end of life centers around medical treatments and symptom relief, but the things that matter most are the relationships we have with the people we know and love. Expressing gratitude, forgiveness, love and saying goodbye are a necessary part of leaving friends and family and experiencing a peaceful and meaningful death.

Find a way to connect with the important people in your life and let them know if you are sorry for anything that you may have done to them, that you forgive them for what they may have done to you and that you love them. This is your chance to settle your own mind and help those who will grieve when you pass away.

Seek comfort in your religious faith, poetry, music or anything that comforts you and helps you connect with the people you care about and who care about you.

If you are taking care of someone at the end of life, help them reach out to their friends and family and encourage them to open up and express these sentiments: “Forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” “I love you,” “Goodbye.”