It is so important to have conversations regarding what your desires are when you encounter sickness and when your time on earth is complete. My husband, David passed away unexpectedly earlier this month, in the middle of us having a conversation in our family room.
We thankfully had all our affairs in order. We had many conversations because this is what I do, prepare those that God has called me to, to journey with and encourage meaningful conversations with those that are close to them to be able to make decisions when they can no longer make decisions for themselves.
My dearly beloved was 52 years of age. We have been married for 20 years. Although, I am in such pain and heartache because my best friend has crossed the river to the other side, I am relieved because he had a sweet transition and a sweet home going celebration – all because we had many conversations about end-of-life.
While this may be uncomfortable, death is a part of life and as long as we avoid such important conversations, we make death for those we leave behind that much more difficult and traumatic.
I would like to introduce you to Dr. Gloria Thomas Anderson, founder, and director of the Let’s Talk About Advanced Care Planning Program. If you are an individual, organization, or a person of faith that works with a diverse community desiring to have discussions regarding your health care when you are unable to speak for yourself, I highly recommend Dr. Anderson’s African-American Spiritual and Ethical Guide to End-of-Life Care: What Y’all Gon’ Do With Me?
Elder Angela Overton, M.Div., is a Senior Advisor at C-TAC and leads our Louisville Community Model of Care Project which partnerships with faith leaders who are actively involved in places of worship where the majority of the parishioners are Black and living in and around the 40203 zip-code. She is also Assistant Minister and Pastoral Care Overseer at Burnett Avenue Baptist Church, Associate Minister at Green Castle Baptist Church, and founder and chief executive officer for the CareWell Center where she works in partnership with faith leaders to care well for those in their respective communities.
