Talking About Death Won’t Kill You

What’s the deal with our society’s aversion to talking about death? It’s morbid. It’s taboo. It’s in bad taste. No one “dies”, instead we whisper that they “passed away” or even just “passed.”

It reminds me of how we used to approach sex. A generation or two ago, we would teach kids about their body parts using euphemisms. We would talk about their wee wee, their pee pee, their hoo ha. The euphemisms made the grownups feel more comfortable, but ultimately, they made our kids think their body parts are shameful and weird. To help kids feel in control of their body, we now know we must use anatomically correct, real terms. 

Our aversion to talking about illness and death in a straightforward way does the same thing. It reinforces the idea that we can’t or shouldn’t talk about something that is so fundamental. 

Think about how you handle it when someone shares their pain. Do you try to rescue them from their bad feelings by saying things like “at least he died doing something he loved,” “they’re coming up with new treatments all the time”? Or do you do something worse and go away because the whole thing just feels too uncomfortable?

It might seem scary to talk about death. You might be afraid that if you talk about it, you’ll bring it on. You might be afraid that if you open the door with someone who is ill or bereaved, you’ll make them feel worse. 

When I started my job helping people put their funeral plans in place long before they are needed, I was really scared to talk to people about it. I thought they would think I think they are going to die. Then I realized, I DO think they are going to die and I’m right!

Let’s start talking about the elephant in the room. Though the discussions will feel awkward at first, you might find that the more you do it, the easier it gets.

When you inevitably face the death of someone you love, you will be able to do so with fewer regrets. And when you are facing your own mortality, you and your loved ones will feel better equipped to talk about that too!

Things are a lot scarier in the dark. When you turn on the lights, you will find you are stronger and braver than you thought.

Join us for two upcoming webinars to learn more:

Body Talk
September 13, 2023 10am-11am
What will happen to our bodies after we die? It's not the easiest conversation to begin, but a meaningful and important one. Jamie Sarche, director of pre-planning at Colorado's oldest family-owned funeral home, will explain all the options in this interactive webinar. Come with your questions!
Register Online

The Gift of Your Presence
November 15, 2023 10am-11am
Grief is a universal experience that touches us all at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a dream, the pain of grief can be overwhelming and debilitating. As a friend, family member, or caregiver, supporting someone through the grieving process can be a challenging task. Jamie Sarche, director of pre-planning at Colorado's oldest family-owned funeral home will facilitate this interactive webinar. She will share stories, insights, and suggestions for how to show up for someone facing life's challenges.
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Jamie Sarche, Director of Pre-Planning and Speaker