Being Mortal, a book by Atul Gawande, helped Jeannie and me develop a level of comfort talking about end of life topics. About death. Written by a surgeon, it expertly explores end of life topics. Not just the final days, but how we age, how we prepare ourselves and our families and friends for our death.

Jeannie died 9 months ago – on August 16, 2020. I continue to experience the great sorrow of her passing, and the great joys of having had her in my life. Our daughter Annie and grandson John are going through this process too, and we continue to support each other. You also hold us in many ways – thank you.

“One has to decide whether one’s fears or one’s hopes are what should matter most.” Atul Gawande is clear. Being human provides us choices. We can be autonomous. That does not mean selfish. Autonomy means being the author of our story – without undue influence by others. Jeannie did this well!

Tuesday night, 7 to 9 pm – Alberta time, May 11, 2012, I am leading a discussion of this book on Zoom. It is part of a monthly Exploring Elderhood group at Hillhurst United Church.

Join the Zoom gathering
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4955126289

If you can’t join us, please ask me for the pdf of the slides and my speaker notes of the PowerPoint presentation – daafinch@gmail.com is my address.

Thank you, each and every one of you, for your love for Jeannie and for me and Annie and John. We feel your tender loving support in so many ways. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Hugs and more hugs,

David