Welcome to Dying Talks™

For those facing end of life and their loved ones - a place to explore what may lie ahead

Image: Sue Montgomery

Welcome to Dying Talks™.

I created this series of videos for individuals facing end of life because they may find they have very few people who are willing to talk with them about that.

Perhaps no one.

But research shows many people want to talk about death and dying.

The dicey part is finding someone who’ll let them do it.

A sacred season

I’ve been a nurse for a very long time and worked in hospice for 15 years, with critical care before that.

I was with my dad, my mom, and my mother-in-law when they died.

I took care of my mom for many years and through the last months, weeks, days, and minutes of her life.

And helped my husband do the same for his mom.

Of course, through my years as a hospice nurse, I was with many people through their final season, which is such a sacred time.

And since I worked in both the field and the hospice house, I was often there during the last moments of their lives.

Why talk about dying?

I wanted to create this series of Dying Talks™ to provide those facing end of life with a place to receive some direct encouragement.

In these videos, we’re going to cover some basic topics, and I’d like to issue my disclaimer from the outset: Every person’s situation is unique, and you should speak with your own healthcare team about your needs. This is general education and not medical advice.

If you’re facing end of life, I just want you to know that you are not alone and don’t have to take this journey alone.

If you’ve been told that you have a terminal diagnosis and you’re not yet enrolled in a palliative care or hospice program, then I encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about how you can learn more about this essential support.

Both types of programs take a holistic approach to care which typically includes supporting physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs – both for the patient and family.

After death, then what?

Many people don’t want to talk about death and dying because they’re not sure what comes next.

As a Christian, I look forward to the day when I get to go Home and be with Jesus and my loved ones who’ve gone before me.

If that’s something you’d like to know more about, please check out this video on my website.

But don’t worry, I’m not going to beat you over the head with the Bible in these talks.

I promise.

I fully respect different belief systems.

But I’d be doing you a big disservice if I didn’t share Jesus and His offer of eternal life in Heaven after death for those who have a relationship with Him.

Topics ahead

In summary, these talks cover some of the specific topics I’ve encountered over the many years of working with those at end of life.

The information is general, and the videos are short ‘n sweet.

Because depending on where you are in your journey, you might not have much energy.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this series:

· What’s Your Understanding of Your Diagnosis?

· Should You Share Bad News With Your Loved Ones?

· How to Better Ensure That Your Wishes Will Be Honored

· Having Essential Conversations With Your Loved Ones

· Embracing the Golden Season at End of Life

· Establishing Priorities

· Adjusting to New Normals

I’m hoping to get all those posts ready for publication soon.

But, if you’d like to – or need to – see the whole series sooner-rather-than-later, all the videos are available on my YouTube channel.

And if you have a topic you’d like me to tackle that’s not on the list, please let me know!

So, welcome to Dying Talks™.

I’m Sue Montgomery, and I’m so glad you’re here.

* As a note, I recorded these videos many years ago. In this opening video, I mention that I’m still certified as a hospice and palliative care nurse. While that was true then, I no longer carry that certification since I don’t work in clinical settings anymore.

Disclaimer: Every person’s situation is unique, and you should speak with your own healthcare team about your needs. This is general education and not medical advice.