By Lisa Bradley
My mom, Cathy, died peacefully in April of 2024. I’m so thankful that I was able to be at her side without having to worry about making decisions for her because she had already made those decisions for herself. I was able to be present — and to grieve.
Decades ago, my parents began discussing and planning for their end-of-life care. They designated financial and medical powers of attorney. They signed advance directives and made arrangements with a funeral home. And I am deeply grateful that they did so.
About eight years ago, my mom had a series of strokes that took away her ability to drive and then to read. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with dementia.
Early last year, she entered hospice care and shortly after began her transition. We knew because of Mom’s stated wishes that we were not going to use a feeding tube or anything else to prolong her life. For the next five days, our family didn’t leave her side.
It was difficult to witness my mother’s passing, but my grief sits hand in hand with gratitude that in the end, she was comfortable and had her family surrounding her.
Thanks to my parents’ careful planning, we didn’t have to make any last-minute decisions that could have turned into disagreements about Mom’s care. We knew her wishes and had all arrangements in place, giving us the time and space to grieve.
Meanwhile, my dad has kept us apprised of his wishes and his documents up to date. He’s even designated a close friend as his medical power of attorney so that my sister and I don’t have to make those choices — an immense gift.
Everyone needs to plan for the end of life, regardless of your age or health situation. You never know when something could happen. I’m grateful for resources like the Compassion & Choices End-of-Life Decisions Guide that make this process clear and approachable.
As for me, I have an advance directive and have communicated my wishes to my children. It was a blessing not to have to make hard decisions for my mom while she was transitioning and I want the same thing for my children. I’ve told them about Compassion & Choices and how they’re helping people prepare for the end of life. Being a part of something bigger, like this movement, is helping me grieve, too.
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
David Blank
Media Relations Director
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Phone: (227) 225 6553
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
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(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
