As your loved one nears the end of their life, sharing past recollections becomes more important than ever before. They may feel like or want to pass on valuable knowledge or lessons, and it can help them face death more peacefully.
It’s also greatly valuable for you and your family to grow closer to your loved one, and you or your loved one may reveal information you didn’t know previously. It can open opportunities for forgiveness and help mend relationships.
“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”
– The Wonder Years
Use these helpful tips to talk to a loved one about their memories and experiences:
• When possible, allow your loved one to guide the conversation
• Ask for specifics about their childhood, how they met their spouse, raising their children, holiday celebrations, family traditions and accomplishments they value
• Look through photo albums or other mementos. Enlarge photos if necessary and bring special framed photos into their room
• Listen to music that is special to them which may include hymns, music from dating or a favorite musician
• If they are not able to tell the story themselves, you tell it, pausing so they can add details. Share the complete story together with grandchildren or other family members who haven’t heard it before
To learn more, visit Tabitha.org/Hospice.
