“As I near the end of my life, will you seek out information about my disease?”

“Will you respect my advance directives?”

“Will you embrace your role as my caregiver and be prepared for what to expect?”

“Will you respect my wants and my needs…even if they are different from what they used to be…and especially if you don’t agree with my choices?”

“Will you care for yourself so that you are not exhausted from caring for me?”

“Will you stay with me even if the going gets rough???”

“If I have negative feelings…like frustration, sadness, despair at God or life…will you listen empathetically?”

“Will you meet me where I am at, and not force any unwanted discussion on me, if I am not ready?”

“And if I cannot communicate for myself, will you speak for me to make sure that what I’ve asked for is done?”

“Will you just sit and be with me, even if I don’t want to, or can no longer, respond?”

“And will you help my family members after I am gone?!”

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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