Have The Talk

Life. There’s a Lot to Talk About.

Having the talk of a lifetime can make the difference of a lifetime. It can help reacquaint us with our loved ones and help us get to know them in a new and different way.

Finding a way to start talking with a loved one may be the most difficult part; however, we might find that once the conversation starts, it may be hard to stop.

You Mattered.

Deep down, most of us want to know that we, in some way, made a difference in this world — that we mattered to someone, and that after we die, we will be fondly remembered by those who knew and cared for us.

When grieving a death, memorialization — taking time to honor the life of a loved one in a meaningful way — and remembering the difference a loved one made in our lives can be an important step in the journey toward healing.

Some of the following questions can help when making funeral arrangements:

What is your proudest achievement?

What was the one piece of advice you received from your parents or grandparents that you never forgot.

Tell me about the most memorable summer you had growing up.

Tell me about your favorite teacher; what did you learn from him or her?

Make the Difference of a Lifetime.

You can have the talk of a lifetime with anyone you hold dear — your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, a spouse. It can happen anywhere you and your loved one are most comfortable — over a meal, at home, on a walk, while playing a game. The talk can be between you and your loved one, or you could include others, like family or friends. Your conversation can take place at any time — not just at the end of life.

Download our workbook below to use as a guide. You can use the workbook to write your answers online, or print the workbook as a guide.