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     One of the goals I  made to achieve through writing this blog was to touch on subjects that might often be passed over.   I don’t want to be a downer, but these subjects are important and real.   They don’t just apply to ALS, either.   One thing I promise you is that I will always be an open book.   I will not shy away from sharing my perspective. 

     Let’s get to it !  Death is often kept in the shadows.   Why?   From the moment we are born, our path to the great beyond is laid out before us.  We are all headed there.  There is no shame in it.   I understand that it is a personal topic , but I also don’t think we have to avoid it.  I am not looking to discuss the afterlife.   I want to talk about being prepared for when the time comes. 

     This disease wreaks havoc upon the lives of all involved.  That is why we should be taking steps to lessen the damage.   Of course , everyone’s situation is different.    So , there will be variations to what I have done but they are applicable to most anyone.   Probably one of the easiest , yet difficult tasks , is DNR/Medical Power of Attorney.   It is easy in the sense that it is a pretty straightforward document.  Though , I can imagine that it could be a little more complicated for some.   The obvious difficulty comes with discussing the subject matter.   The best advice I can give is to be honest and decisive.   These documents are YOUR wishes !  Try not to get too caught up with satisfying every one.     Help those most important to you by limiting the burden of decision.  DNR is your decision concerning medical intervention if you are in an emergency life or death situation.  Basically , do you want medical professionals to save your life.  You can be as general or as specific as you want. Power of attorney allows for you to designate someone to make decisions for you should you become unable.   That one is a little more complicated as you can be very particular.  As you can see , though , those documents can eliminate much grief. 

     Life insurance is another great item to have in place.   Unfortunately , after falling ill, it will likely be all but impossible to obtain.   Hopefully you already have a policy.   If you are reading this and are not in poor health , do yourself a favor and research a reputable life insurance provider.   Many people put these things off because “I am still young “.   Folks , I was diagnosed at 40.  I will be lucky if I make it to 45!  That is just truth.   Tomorrow is not promised.   I know too many gone too soon. 

     Funeral arrangements.   So, I decided early on to be proactive in all that I could.   I have all kinds of equipment and have made modifications to our home in preparation for the future.   I have gotten “my affairs ” in order.   One thing that we had been putting off was my decision about the inevitable.   Not because we were avoiding it, but because we have been very indecisive about where my final resting place will be.   Once we reached our decision , my wife set things in motion.   She made an appointment with a funeral home and we went last Friday.   As odd as it sounds, it was one of the better experiences we have had while dealing with this disease.   We left there in great spirits and with such a weight lifted from our shoulders.  They were extremely helpful and answered all of our questions.   It was relieving to walk away knowing that the decisions that come with one’s passing were already made.   That will allow my family to grieve without the stress added by having to make those choices.   My wife was really content with the fact that I could have a voice in it. 

     See, that wasn’t too bad , right?   I know that there is a lot more that goes into this discussion.   The bottom line is to have it.   The sooner the better.   Don’t put your loved ones on the spot or in a bind if you can avoid it.   A little preparation goes a long way for peace of mind.   Peace of mind = greater quality of life !