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Julie Salesberry's avatar

Came across a spiral notebook titled " F*CK I'M DEAD. Now what? End of life planner and journal. " Simple and allows you to write all this info down. I keep it by the computer and just add when I think of it . Right now, passwords is very helpful :)

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Ka Graves's avatar

I am 87.

Pre-80, I did not think I would lose most of my capabilities or desires or strength. I have a long history of happiness as well as pinches of worry. I exercised by walking & riding my bike. Loved cooking. Teaching. Married a wonderful man. We built our home in the desert.

After 84, the proverbial sh*t hit the fan in increments. Heart Attack. Broken femur. Fell out of bed onto my nose. Lost most of my strength along with my optimism.

Years ago, I loved to hand-paint my t-shirts in Japanese. I wish I could find my favorite after reading your encouraging statement: Fall Down 7. Get Up 8.

Thank you.

Ka Graves

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Healthy Seniors's avatar

This is beautiful, Ka. Hold onto that optimism—your story’s far from over!

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Colleen Lawson's avatar

Highly recommended this book!

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Pamela Boyd's avatar

This is a great book. I had all my nursing students read it. I think everyone should read it.

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Joan Bauer's avatar

This is outstanding. Thank you! Oozes with wisdom, practicality, and empathy all at once. I love the concept of facing these things gently. It’s too easy to throw ourselves into intense preparation and get crazy and miss the goodness of the moments. I’m behind in things, but I’ve found when I do the next step and the next, the anxiety I’d not understood begins to lift. This piece teaches agency with such respect. Bravo.

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Healthy Seniors's avatar

Thank you so much — that means a lot. You nailed it: it’s so easy to let urgency steal the peace from something that’s meant to be handled with care. Just taking the next step, like you said, is powerful. Really appreciate your thoughtful words.

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Eileen's avatar

This is useful, have just about completed these steps. I’d say if it seems overwhelming just begin.

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Nancy Feagans's avatar

Excellent book!

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Daniel Gmyrek's avatar

I have a red notebook labeled ICE…In Case of Emergency. All of that stuff plus funeral information.

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Siobhan Caffrey's avatar

At 65 and just received my first teachers pension , this is so relevant. I'm going to have this conversation with a light hearted approach.

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Healthy Seniors's avatar

Congrats on your first teacher’s pension! I'm really glad the article struck a chord with you. Hopefully, it's info you won't need for a long time, but it's always good to be prepared.

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Anne Rutledge's avatar

Love this book!

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