I am so glad many like the poem; it's intention and my hope is that people will print it, write it, type it... BUT share it with your loved one. It's meant to be a conversation starter when one is having difficulty finding the right words or the right time to bring up this most difficult topic. All any of us can do is show that we care and would be there for our loved ones. What you don't want is to have the "would have, could have, should have" moment, when the opportunity to share anything of mind or heart with someone you love is missed.

Add a difficult conversation to an already complex family dynamic is especially challenging, but don't give up! If able to, try and relay that all parties love the individual, want to help in whatever way possible, and want to participate in caring.