Wishes to Die For Workshop

Dear Dr. Haselhorst,

I attended the workshop, Wishes to Die For, at the Desert Foothills Library in early January. I had tried numerous times over eight or possibly ten years to complete “The Advanced Directive List.” Of course, there are many lists. The one I had was several pages long and provided by the Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa. Each time I tried to complete the form I became concerned about checking contradictory wishes. With feelings of failure I would put the list away–year after year!

At the workshop I was impressed with your candor and experience. I felt inspired. I purchased your book but the value was the one page letter. It was liberating. I was able to state my wishes in one page with six additional sentences on page two. I entitled the document “My End of Life Choices.” I have six sections in my document which are entitled by either statements or questions. They are:

• Acceptance of Death as an Inevitable Part of Life
• How did I thrive? What are the major “signatures” of my life? Are my goals changing?
• Who will make medical decisions when I am no longer able? What I do not want at the end of my life?
• What do I want at the end of my life?

Is it possible to share your letter with friends? The letter does not have any identifying information but I will give full credit to you and provide information about your websites. Again, I say thank you but feel the words are inadequate to express my gratitude.

Sincerely,
~ Pat White