People wanting to dignify death will be meeting for a third time on Tuesday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m. in the Ruby Sisson Library meeting room.
Hood Mortuary is the only one in Pagosa and maybe also in Durango, so we are not giving them an unfair advantage over anyone else by having this speaker.
Ryan Phelps and his wife are the owners and they greatly value being able to meet with people when they are not devastated with the loss of a loved one. Phelps will go over all the questions and choices that need to be discussed at the time of death. He has had much experience in talking to others about this difficult and highly emotional topic at the time needed, and also like on May 7, beforehand.
This is an amazing opportunity, so the room will be filled with chairs awaiting wise and responsible people wanting to see his presentation and then hear his answers to all our questions.
Our last gathering was absolutely amazing when we heard from Connie Cook, a greatly experienced paramedic.
I have decided that paramedics are the greatest heroes in the practice of medicine. I had no idea what all they do when responding to an emergency. I have never experienced being present at such a time. I am still processing what all I learned. I also did not comprehend the significance of the “do not resuscitate” form that is available at Pagosa Springs Medical Center. You do not need to pay for an appointment to complete the form. You can begin the process, which needs a doctor’s signature, at the reception desk.
I am hoping to have Cook speak to our group again, for the benefit of the people who missed her talk and for anyone who does not have a “do not resuscitate” form.
There are many other topics that are in the works for future programs, such as doctors who will discuss the right-to-die option voted for in Colorado in 2016 and how to access it. We are working on a green burial site. There will be a personally experienced speaker on near-death experiences. Another major topic of concern is the paperwork that needs to be filled out related to end-of-life, such as do not resuscitate, do not transport and advance directives.
We are working on finding a future speaker on “the paperwork of dying” and trying to decide who would be best to handle this crucial topic. Another topic of importance is donating a body to science without cost to the family. We are planning to have a doctor speak on the possible outcomes of the resuscitation process. There is so much to learn.
Our plan is to create a glossary of terms discussed, a recommended book list and website list to have available to Pagosa as a result of our having met.
Knowledge is power, and we welcome everyone to be empowered (not freaked out) by coming to our presentations. Come and you will know what I mean.
