“Most of us do not want to talk about [drawing up an advance directive]. Is it up to our doctors to bring this up only in a crisis situation? Shouldn’t we be informed about our health care options, even when healthy, and especially when we have a chronic or terminal illness, and to discuss these with our doctors and family?

“My hope is that we can overcome our fears of losing loved ones, and of them losing us. These conversations can be the best gift of love we can provide to those who are close to us.

“My goal is to read my advance directive on my birthday as a celebration of life, of my taking responsibility for myself and not leaving it to others.

“There is no right or wrong answer here. You make your choice, I have made mine.”

Full article here.