To The Reader’s Forum:

The article by Dana Corwin, RN, rang so true to me. If you didn’t read it, please do (Monday, March 20, in Senior Life).

My stepfather died without a will. My mother spent more than four years sorting out the mess. It was ugly. My husband and I years ago started making the hard decisions.

We began by making sure our wills were updated, then we put down on paper our wishes for our funerals/memorial services; favorite hymns, scripture, who to contact and where to have it, etc. Then we wrote our obituaries. When completed, we gave copies to all the kids. Finally, we also discussed where we would prefer to be in the event of no longer being ableto be cared for at home.

My husband died recently. I am so grateful that we were able to have these discussions. It took a big burden off my shoulders.

Please start the conversation today — for everybody’s peace of mind sometime down the road when the inevitable happens.

Elaine Short,

Jamestown