RESPECT …. your loved ones, let them know your wishes …. your loved ones, honor their wishes ©Mari-Pat Boughner/Mary Boyle, 2013

RESPECT The time has come for me to go There are some things that you should know I love you so dearly, oh yes I do All the adventures we’ve been through Have brought me here to a place of peace I feel blessed surrender, not a hint of grief

RESPECT I must move on, I must say goodbye Your biggest gift to me now is that you not deny But follow the plan we created together in health At the end of my day, it’s love, not treatment, that’s wealth My Advance Directives*, my POLST**, my intentions are clear, Do not let this time of transition become one of fear.

RESPECT Bathe me; hydrate me; do manage my pain But no desperate measures, no therapies vain Do not demand ‘just one more round’ But hold my hand and have music - glorious sound Bring others whose lives are intersected with mine For love and forgiveness, let us use this time

RESPECT With palliative care***, I will go gentle unto that good night Perhaps… the oft-reported tunnel and a shower of light Or perhaps… a resonant voice calling my name Will signal the end of this life’s game I thank you for letting me make my wishes clear I thank you for holding my wishes near I love you so dearly, oh yes I do…..

RESPECT * Advance Directives: Legal document to express treatment preferences and select a substitute decision maker should a person become unable to make medical decisions on his/her own behalf ** POLST: Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment: Orders for emergency and medical personnel for actions that are consistent with an individual’s wishes *** Palliative Care: Care with a focus on relieving and preventing suffering