We need to talk.

By Kisa Heyer

CEO, Dream Foundation/Dreams for Veterans

Here in the U.S., death is still a taboo subject, something many people don’t like to talk about. 

Many individuals facing serious illness come to Dream Foundation after having had difficult conversations with loved ones, medical and care providers, yet still need encouragement to talk about what they would like to experience before they die.

Talking about our final Dreams can be very illuminating, as they can bring joy, comfort, and closure. They can make that final stretch of life as rich and rewarding as any other stage.

An independent study run in conjunction with the American Psychiatric Association showed that 80 percent of people reported a greater sense of well-being after their Dream had come true. 

Michael, for example, a 77-year-old Air Force veteran had been extremely depressed after learning of his terminal diagnosis and the physical limitations that came with it. Encouraged by his wife, hospice therapist, and social worker, Michael applied to the Dreams for Veterans program. Initially reluctant to share, his Dream Coordinator, Trish, took time getting to know and understand him as a human, as a soldier, as a husband, and as a father. After several conversations, he ultimately expressed his final Dream – a visit from his daughter, Stephanie, and grandson, Marshall. All he wanted in those final days was to be with the ones he loved most. 

Following his death, Stephanie expressed how impactful his Dream was and how he had spoken of it up until the very end.

“It lifted his spirits, it gave him purpose,” she shared. “The Dream had a holistic affect that I never realized was possible, especially at the end of life.”

Take the talking challenge

If you’ve never spoken to anyone about your Dreams – the experience you’d most like to have before you die – perhaps it’s time you did.

It’s never too soon to have the conversation. We spend so much time planning our weddings, vacations, birthday celebrations, and so many other important things.

You could open the door for the possibility of something magical to happen and maybe even change the course of family histories and special friendships. This begins with open and honest dialogue.

We spend 2 ½ hours a day on our phones. So, switch off yours for an hour, sit down with your loved ones, and have a conversation that really matters.

About Dream Foundation:

Dream Foundation is dedicated to serving final Dreams to terminally-ill adults with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.

Our Dreams for Veterans program tailors Dreams to the needs of this unique group, often reflecting aspects of their military service.

If you’d like to learn more about Dream Foundation and our programs, visit dreamfoundation.org or dreamsforveterans.org.