This post was written by Michael Kinsey, MAOL, specialist, Advance Care Planning, Parkview Health.
Seasons come and seasons go. In the Midwest, this is a literal change we experience four times each year. With autumn, the warm days begin to wane as the cooler temperatures signal a transformation. The leaves change color, the air becomes crisp and the days shorten.
Vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow hang from the limbs of trees all around us as they prepare to fall. We have two large oak trees in our front yard. One of them loses its leaves early, often before November. On the second oak tree, the leaves linger and slowly let go. Each leaf is unique. They vary in size, color and shape, and they float through the air in their own way. Some fall quite fast, while others seem to slowly move toward the end of an inevitable cycle of life. Like the leaves, our own cycle of life is unpredictable but sure. We know, as with all living things, our time to let go will come.
Later in the season, the air becomes cool and crisp. A long deep breath of that air seems to not only energize us but also clear the mind, bringing a sense of clarity and focus. We look toward the coming holiday season and begin to think about our loved ones. We host family gatherings and friends-givings, paying attention to every detail. From the delicious food to be prepared, to the games to be played and the football to watch, we ensure everything goes as much to the plan as possible. Intentional planning is on the forefront of our thoughts.
The days are shorter. As the sun begins to sink into the horizon earlier each evening, we are reminded of the urgency of the limited daylight hours. We move activities indoors and as the calendar year winds down, our thoughts turn inward. We begin to assess our year in preparation for what comes next. We talk about future plans and echo the past. We evaluate as we anticipate. We look into the future and dream of what could be, while staying grounded in the moment. We hope for the best and plan for the worst.
The value of advance care planning
There is a season for everything; a time to live and a time to die. The autumn season reminds us in so many ways how important it is to consider how we want our final season to go. We, unlike the leaves, have a say in how we are cared for in the moments of a medical crisis.
By preparing in advance, we ensure the people who mean the most to us know our wishes and are able to honor our choices. They can be our voice when we cannot communicate. Through the advance care planning (ACP) process, we can have a conversation that explores the goals, preferences and values for our health care. We can name the people we want to make our health care decisions if we are not able. We can provide more peace in an already challenging time.
If you are considering your choices for future health care and want to know more about advance care planning, we are here to help. The Parkview Advance Care Planning Team offers in-person ACP conversations as well as a self-paced ACP experience online. For more information or to schedule a cost-free opportunity, simply email acpdept@parkview.com.
