Is it wierd that I read obituraries in the paper?

I always read the obituraries in the local newspaper.. Why? I ask myself. What am I looking for? What, Don't you?

Maybe it is strange, but I recently discovered that I am not alone. I found someone at a coffee shop in Vancouver reading them as well. Interested, I thought I would ask a few questions... Did you recently lose a loved one? No, was the answer, I just like to look.
Oh, I said, what are you looking for? reply: I like to read the stories of the people who just passed away, there is always an amazing story. Yes, this is true. Everyone has their own story they have lived.

Hopefully, it was a long life.. died peacefully in their sleep at the age of 95.... Not always the case. These are especially sad to read. I think about the family that has been left behind. Then I think about the amazing gift that they have been given, the time they spent together :)
I also like to read about the person's life. I also like to see if there is an organization or society that will benefit from the gifts that people will contribute.

I have also discovered that many people avoid the discussion of death and dying because they fear it themselves. If it is not discussed, it doesn't exist... I'm not saying there is a right or wrong way to deal with our own mortality or the ones we care about, but it is a reality. Unfortunately, I have felt the sadness of losing both of my parents and I am only in my 30's. My parents were both loving, caring and supportive for both myself and my brother. I have so much to thank them for helping me become the person I am today. I plan to live a very long life, be there for my kids, my spouse, making an impact on millions of people's lives.

So I encourage you to discuss the possibility of you dying sooner than you think and what that means to you and your family. You will pleasantly surprised on how much better you will feel that you release the fear and then take action to eliminate the stress. What impact would that have on your family? A client of mine told me recently that a weight had been lifted off their shoulders when they met with me to discuss protecting their family, their home.

I hope that my note has not made you too comfortable only more aware.


Here's to peace of mind my friends,
Karen :)