Shameless Plug of Death

fruitbar, originally uploaded by andebos.

Okay, today I have two shameless plugs, the first...ooohh - very worthwhile! The picture isn't very big but the taste certainly is. Have you tried the edy's fruitbars? They're dy-no-mite!! When I first bought them, I vaguely remembered eating them from a parent who brought them in at school. Then, I had them again a few weeks ago at BJ's parent's place - OH MY GOSH, amazing. These little bars actually have the fruit inside them. I bit into one and was wondering what the dark spots were...come to find out, it was half of a strawberry, and a large one at that. Next time you go shopping, you gotta pick these things up!! Here's the ad: If you like fruit, you'll love Whole Fruit - fruit bars. The combination of real fruits and juices makes the taste unbeatable! Chunks of juicy strawberries, luscious lemons or zesty limes are packed into each and every bar. Each bar has less than 100 calories and is naturally fat free. So go ahead—indulge!

Now, the other shameless plug is a bit more serious. Last night I attended a seminar in Liberty about Advance Directive. Haven't heard of it? Perhaps the court cases in the past could easily remind you. The definition says it's "a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment, often including a living will, made to ensure those wishes are carried out should the person be unable to communicate them to a doctor." It was a very interesting seminar and called each of us to engage in a "caring conversation," as they called it, with loved ones. I can understand how each of us may be timid or uneasy about these conversations - as they expose the condition of our hearts in the matter. One of the speakers commented on how, as an american society, we typically believe that death is an optional event for all of us. As John Mayer so elegantly says, "I am invincible, as long as I'm alive." And Clay Aiken also says If I was invincible...wait no, that's invisible, blast! Anyway, these directives are a good way of putting into writing what our wishes truly are for that season of our life, should we not be able to express those desires in that time. I think it's an important issue for all of us. Not just because we have our directions down on paper, but it gives us a chance to search inside ourselves now and figure out that season of our life. I think engaging in this conversation allows us to enjoy life more as we understand our mortality. "Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed. You will never be more beautiful than you are now. We will never be here again." This conversation allows us to see the beauty that is life now, with a perspective of reality that we will not always be here in this moment. Naturally, this is not a one time conversation either - it's something you should have every few years...as our desires have a tendency to change. Anyway, here are some websites and questions they offered as helpful. Oh the last bit of info I found interesting was that, according to law, medical professionals are protected in disagreeing with what your directive says. They will be replaced in terms of care for you - but that won't affect them professionally. It seems like a conversation that protects everyone's values and opinions.
Caring Conversations
Useful Article
Caring Resources

Questions
What life events have given you the most joy? saddened you the most?
What beliefs do you hold that influence your thoughts about life and dying?
What are your fears regarding the end of your life?
What do you most value about your physical or mental well being? (do you love outdoors, reading, music, being able to interact with those around you?)
If you could plan it today, what would the last day of your life be like? (where, what happens, what would you eat, music you hear, people you're with, final words, last acts?)
How do you want to be remembered? What would you say in your obituary if you wrote it?
Is there anyone you would want there? or people you would want to write to or talk with? What would you say?
If forgiveness is important is important to you, how will you seek it, and from whom?
What gives your life meaning and purpose? What is important for others to know about your spiritual beliefs and life?
Who would make health decisions for you if you could not?
Life goals to achieve? projects to finish? Duties to delegate?
These are just a few - and I find them tough to answer...but good to know the answer, when I reach it.